South of England set for stern Wales 'A' challenge

• Representative side aim to finish 2026 on a high
• Jamie Jones' side attempting to notch up second win over a Welsh representative team

The South of England Men’s Team heads over the Severn Bridge this weekend to take on Wales ‘A’ at Merthyr RFC, with head coach Jamie Jones challenging his side to produce their strongest and most well-rounded performance of the year.

12 months ago, the South of England produced an inspired display to beat Wales Dragonhearts, a side made up of players from the community game in the Principality, in a thriller at The Gnoll, Neath. A year later, the South face a trickier challenge, with Wales ‘A’ boasting players from the nation’s own performance pathway and talented young players attached to the academies of professional Rugby League clubs.

With the game taking place in front of a passionate Welsh crowd as a curtain-raiser for the Celtic Cup decider between Wales and Ireland, it all adds up to a tough challenge for Jamie Jones men.

 In their last outing a fortnight ago, the South of England conjured up a trio of tries to come from behind and pip Scotland Bravehearts 34-28 at Hawick RFC for an exciting finish. They know they must deliver a more complete and composed performance facing Wales A.

Following a final training session last weekend at Hitchin RFC, home of community Rugby League club North Herts Crusaders, the South of England head into the game high on confidence and focused on putting in a strong disciplined performance.

Head Coach Jamie Jones recalled West Warriors winger Leighton Ball, with Medway Dragons forward Adam Dady coming in to replace injured Charlie Whittington. Coryn Ward switches to second row to cover for the unavailable Ben McGuinness, the man who etched his name into South of England history with his late match-winning score in Scotland. Also returning after missing the trip north is Coventry Bears full-back Jimmy Lambert.

Once again, the South of England squad boasts players from all four eligible English regions – Midlands, London, East and West – as well as representatives of no fewer than 13 different community clubs.

South of England Team Manager Kevin Rudd said: “This fixture brings our 2026 programme to a close and a very strong test is expected. The squad has trained well and is really looking forward to the challenge posed by a significantly stronger test than the difficult one we experienced against the Dragonhearts a year ago.

“We would all like to thank Wales Rugby League for arranging this fixture and once again hosting us.  At the end of this season’s campaign, following consultations with interested parties, the hard work will start again to learn from our experiences so we can build further opportunities for the South of England in the 2027 season.”

Wales ‘A’ versus South of England takes place at Merthyr RFC on Saturday 31st October, kick off 12.30pm. For tickets, head here.

South of England team to take on Wales ‘A’:  Jimmy Lambert (Coventry Bears), Leighton Ball (Wests Warriors), Ben Telfer (Brixton Bulls), Leon Atheron (All Golds), Callum Dockerill (Bedford Tigers), Alex Deery (North Herts Crusaders), Luke Drummond (Elmbridge Eagles), Dom Stock (Wests Warriors), Doug Chirnside (captain, London Chargers), Max Nissinen-Li (Bedford Tigers), Finlay Holt (Sherwood Wolfhunt), Coryn Ward (Nottingham Outlaws), Adam Dady (Medway Dragons). Interchange: David Bofenda (North Herts Crusaders), Dylan Stone (Telford Raiders), Jake Cummins (Elmbridge Eagles), Will Armour (London Chargers), Harry Kaufman (Coventry Bears), Leon Bird (Hammersmith Hill Hoists), Ben Foskett (Telford Raiders)