France to warm up for RLWC26 with Test against England
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France is set to appoint a new women's coach ahead of a home Test against England in the lead up to next year's World Cup.
"This is more than a match: it is a test of truth against the third [ranked] nation in the world," Baloup said at a press conference to announce that the grand final of the French domestic competition would be played in Paris as a warm-up to the Catalans-Wigan Super League fixture.
Rugby League World Cup draw announced on Channel 7
France are No.4 in the IRL World Rankings and Baloup said that the continued progress of women's rugby league in France was proof of a clear strategy to grow the game, which included government investment.
"For five years, we have placed women's rugby at the centre of our priorities. It is a strength and a source of pride for the Federation," he said.
France will begin their World Cup campaign against Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby on October 17 before travelling to Christchurch to meet New Zealand on October 25 and Gold Coast to play Fiji on October 31.
The announcement of the Test against England comes as the FFRXIII prepare to appoint a new coach following the resignation of Romain Maillot.
Maillot told Treize Mondial that he had been asked to take on an assistant's role under a new head coach for the World Cup - an offer he rejected.
Baloup praised Maillot and said he had carried out his job with commitment, determination and professionalism, guiding the French team with high sporting standards and a strong human touch.
His work contributed significantly to the development and prominence of women's rugby league in France, while he also succeeded in creating a positive dynamic within the team, fostering the players' development and their ability to give their best while wearing the French national jersey.
"As President of the French Rugby League Federation, I would like to express, on behalf of the entire Federation, my sincerest thanks for the commitment of Romain Maillot as head coach of the French Women's rugby league team," Baloup said.
"During his tenure, he fulfilled his leadership role by guiding our women's team with determination.
"Thanks to his interpersonal skills and dedication, the French Women's team fulfilled its sporting objectives and, in fact, contributed to the growth and influence of women's rugby league.
"Under his leadership, the team achieved strong results and consolidated its position in the world rankings of women's rugby league nations.
"Romain was able to instil a positive dynamic within the group, combining rigor with a strong human touch, so that each player could flourish and give her best on the field.
"Upon leaving his position as head coach, Romain leaves behind a legacy that will serve as a benchmark and upon which future coaching staff can build to inject new energy.
"The French Rugby League Federation once again expresses its profound gratitude for all his work and dedication. I wish Romain Maillot every success in his future endeavours and thank him once again for his contribution to the French Women's national team and to rugby league in France."
