Mike Butt has been drafted into Wales’ squad for the European Championship and 2021 Rugby League World Cup qualifiers.It wasn’t until recently that the Swinton Lions winger realised he was eligible to play for Wales and made the coaching staff aware. Mike Butt commented: “I was out in Mexico for a wedding and I was having a light-hearted chat with Rhodri Lloyd over text. “I was saying as a bit of a mess around how I was eligible because my gran was Welsh, but I didn’t actually realise that was the case and it qualified me to play.”
Butt had a strong season with Swinton in 2018, winning the club‘s Man of Steel and try of the season awards. He was pipped to the supporters’ player of the season by Rhodri Lloyd. Mike added: “I was expecting to be heading back into pre-season at some point, but I’ve now found out I’m in the Wales squad.” “It’s brilliant news and I honestly can’t wait to get started. “There are some very good players in the squad and I’ve played against the likes of Rhys Williams in the Championship for quite a few years. “Everything’s panned out really quickly, but I now need to get my head down in training and work hard. I need to set down a marker so I can earn my place in the team. “It’s going to be a big tournament as World Cup qualification is at stake. I can’t wait.” |
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