TWO Widnes Vikings players are in the Wales squad starting out on the bid to reach the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.

Head coach John Kear has included Mike Butt and Matty Fozard in his party for next week’s RLWC2026 European qualifiers.

The winner of the tournament will represent Europe as they proceed to 2025’s inaugural World Series, where they will meet fellow International Rugby League full members Cook Islands, Jamaica and South Africa to battle for the remaining two berths at the World Cup in Australia and Papua New Guinea.

The European qualifying semi-finals, determined by the IRL’s world rankings, sees Serbia play Wales while France will face Ukraine in a double header on Tuesday, October 22, at the Stade Albert-Domec in Carcassonne.

The action then heads south to Saint-Esteve, where the Municipality Stadium will host the final on Saturday, October 26 before a third place-play-off takes place for world ranking points.

Wales warmed up with a 22-16 win over Jamaica on home soil at The Knoll in Neath on Tuesday when Fozard was among the try scorers.

“The game was a good start to our preparations, and a number of players have now had their first taste of international rugby league and will be better for it,” said Kear.

“We’re ready to embrace the challenge of continuing our World Cup journey.”

WALES RL SQUAD:

Max Clarke (Barrow Raiders), Elliot Kear (Batley Bulldogs), Samual Grice (Castleford Tigers) Matt Ross (Cornwall), Curtis Davies (Dewsbury Rams), Connor Davies (Halifax Panthers), Jude Ferreria (Hunslet Hawks), Billy Walkley (Keighley Cougars), Ashton Robinson (Leeds Rhinos), Sam Bowring (Midlands Hurricanes), Ben Evans (North Wales Crusaders), Joe Coope-Franklin, Finley Yates (Salford Red Devils), Josh Ralph (St George Illawara), Ant Walker, Rhys Williams (Swinton Lions), Will Evans, Huw Worthington (Whitehaven), Mike Butt, Matty Fozard (Widnes Vikings), Bailey Antrobus (York Knights)