BY JOHN DAVIDSON
Bevan French is eligible to represent England but admits he has given no thought to making himself available to play against Australia in the Ashes this year.
French, born and bred in NSW, moved to the UK in July 2019 to join Wigan Warriors. The 29-year-old has stayed with Wigan since then and under residency grounds is now eligible to play for England.
French is one of the best players in Super League and has won every individual and team award available including Man of Steel, the Lance Todd Trophy, the Rob Burrow Award and being named in the Dream Team on three occasions. His uncle, former St George Illawarra and Hull FC winger Nathan Blacklock, played for the Kangaroos in 2001.
Asked if he had considered putting his hand up for England, the halfback told rugbyleaguehub.com Long Reads: “A couple of people have asked me about it now. It’s something that’s never really come across my mind to be honest.
“I see myself as an Aussie, especially being Aboriginal and Indigenous.
“In saying that, they’ve got two quality halves in there already in Mikey [Lewis] and Harry [Smith], and [Jack] Welsby or whoever out the back, so I don’t know where I’d fit in anyway.
“It’s good to be mentioned and brought up, but it’s not really crossed my mind.”
England have depth in the halves with George Williams, Lewis and Smith, but injuries and form could prove a problem come October. Outside of Welsby at fullback, England has little depth in the number one jumper.
French can play at five-eighth, fullback and wing, and could provide an X-factor as a utility.
England have used residency players in the past, including Rangi Chase during the 2013 World Cup and Maurie Fa’asavalu at the 2008 tournament.
Australian-born NRL players AJ Brimson and Max King have nominated their desires to be considered for selection for the Ashes.
Asked if national team coach Shaun Wane, a member of Wigan’s coaching staff, had approached him about playing for England, French said at Magic Weekend: “No, he hasn’t.
“He hasn’t put any pressure on me. I think he understands.
“Who knows, it’s a long bus ride home from Magic and he might get in my ear,” he joked.
