Published: Wednesday, 12th Oct 2022

France’s Rugby League World Cup stars were given a famously friendly Bolton welcome at a civic reception at the Town Hall on Monday night (October 10).

RLWC civic receptionThe Deputy Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Linda Thomas, was on hand to formally greet the players and staff, who will be based in Bolton throughout the tournament and will play a crucial game against England at the University of Bolton Stadium on 22 October.

BBC sports presenter Jack Dearden and Wigan Warriors and England International Rachel Thompson were on hand to set the scene for this amazing tournament coming to Bolton.

Councillor Martyn Cox, Leader of Bolton Council, said: “It was an absolute pleasure to have the French squad with us at Bolton Town Hall and we wish them the very best of luck for what is shaping up to be a fantastic World Cup!

“Kick-off is just around the corner now and we can’t wait to see the team in action along with the other competing nations in Bolton.

“We’re proud to be France’s home from home for the next few weeks and we know they’ll enjoy a famously hospitable welcome from the local community – it should all make for a fabulous atmosphere.”

The France team were delighted with the warm welcome they received and are looking forward to making Bolton their home for the next few weeks.

France, who currently are 7th in the international rankings, kick-off their World Cup campaign in Doncaster against Greece (Monday 17 October), before returning to their home base for the big group clash against England in Bolton (Saturday 22 October) and will play Samoa in Warrington (Sunday 30 October).