Wales unchanged for France play-off final showdown

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Wales have named an unchanged 19-man squad for Saturday's European World Cup qualifiers play-off final against France.

The winner of the game at Stade Municipal St Esteve in Perpignan, which kicks off at 13:40 BST, will earn a place at the 2025 World Series, in which the final 2026 World Cup spots will be on the line.

Batley Bulldogs back Elliot Kear continues to captain the side that includes record cap holder Rhys Williams, who is eight points away from becoming only the fourth man to reach a century of points for Wales.

Wales head coach John Kear is again expected to be absent after the 69-year-old was taken ill on Sunday, recuperating at home after leaving hospital.

Assistant coach Mark Moxon remains in charge in France, with the support of Wales Rugby League director of performance Clive Griffiths.

Wales reached the play-off final with a 48-0 victory over Serbia in Carcassone on Tuesday, while hosts France beat Ukraine 74-8 later that day.

Max Clarke (Barrow Raiders), Elliot Kear (Batley Bulldogs), Sam Grice (Castleford Tigers), Matt Ross (Cornwall), Curtis Davies (Dewsbury Rams), Connor Davies (Halifax Panthers), Billy Walkley (Keighley Cougars), Ashton Robinson (Leeds Rhinos), Sam Bowring (Midlands Hurricanes), Ben Evans (North Wales Crusaders), Joe Coope-Franklin, Finley Yates (Salford Red Devils), Josh Ralph (St George Illawara), Ant Walker, Rhys Williams (Swinton Lions), Will Evans, Huw Worthington (Whitehaven), Mike Butt, Matty Fozard (Widnes Vikings).

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