Craig Kopczak in running for Wales captaincy

Published on 16/10/2012 00:00

Controversial forward Craig Kopczak is in contention to captain Wales rugby league side after being elevated to a four-strong leadership group ahead of the 2013 World Cup.

The 25-year-old’s future at club level is uncertain after he quit Bradford on the eve of their final game of the Super League season but he has been cleared to play for Wales in Saturday’s international against France in Lens. Kopczak, who joins Ben Flower, Jordan James and Neil Budworth on Iestyn Harris’ leadership panel, has not played for more than six weeks but is relishing the opportunity to represent his country once more.

He is also confident the furore over his walkout at the Bulls will not affect his performance against the French. “Definitely not,” Kopczak said. “Hopefully it will get resolved soon. I’ve been keeping training and it’s a great feeling to be back with the boys.”

Kopczak missed Wales’ mid-season defeat by France because of an ankle injury but is a candidate to take on the captaincy for the games against France and England.