Liam Rice-Wilson is relishing facing France this weekend after linking up with Wales’ squad as they prepare for the European Championship and 2021 Rugby League World Cup qualifier.

John Kear’s men take on the French in Carcassonne at 5pm on Saturday, with two places at the 2021 World Cup up for grabs during this year’s tournament.

Rice-Wilson, who has represented Wales at various levels before his call-up for the senior team, featured for League 1 club Coventry Bears in 2018.

“It was my first season at League 1 level so it was nice to get recognition from Coventry and go through the trial process there,” he said.

“Towards the end of the season, I started playing a lot more games and played 80 minutes at hooker in quite a few of the matches.”

On his Wales call-up, Rice-Wilson added: “I’m absolutely buzzing for the opportunity to get to know the players, learn the systems and actually be in the camp atmosphere.

“It wasn’t that it was a shock, but it feels really, really good to get some recognition and have the call to join the squad.

“I know quite a few of the lads from the students and U23s and I’m looking forward to getting to know a lot of the older lads as well.”