Wigan St Pats U16’s host French Team PACA at Clarington Park Saturday 8th July

On Saturday 8th July at 3:30pm Wigan St. Patricks A.R.L.F.C. Under 16s host PACA, a U17 representative side from the Avignon region of France. They are here for a short tour and had a great first game against Ince Rose Bridge on Sunday 2nd July, running out 46-10 victors.  

There is no doubt the game should be a well matched with the memory of the game in 2015 saw the French secure a narrow victory.

The pedigree of both sides is evident with PACA playing a large part in the development of Vincent Duport, Mathias Pala and Benjamin Garcia.  With St Patrick’s most recently providing the foundations for current Wigan stars Liam Marshall, Tom Davies and Oliver Gildart to name but a few.

This fixture is familiar turf for Joel Smith who was at the helm of the U16 in 2015 and is doing a fantastic job with former St Patricks favourite Damon Forshaw.  Both young men that give time up to help the development of players and claimed silverware last year in the form of the U15 NWC Cup.

Prior to the game the players will be presented to Wigan fan’s favourites Morgan Escare and Tom Davies whom started their seasons in great form.
PACA Head Coach, Florian Chautard, commented, “We would like to thank Wigan St Patricks and Ince Rose Bridge for providing us with playing opportunities.  Our team will have a few players that will progress to the Catalans Dragons and this travelling and playing intensity helps them to develop”
Joel Smith added, “We had a great experience with PACA in 2015 and the last are looking forward to Saturday.  It will be a good test for us and give the lads an experience of playing that they’ll remember”
Entrance to the game opens at 2pm, with the kick off at 3:30pm and £2 entry.
La provence PACA bienvenue a la rue Pats Wigan apprecie la jeu etc votre tour.