Leeds Rhinos' James McDonnell reveals how 'surprise phone call' led to England switch for Test v France

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Leeds Rhinos' James McDonnell reveals how 'surprise phone call' led to England switch for Test v France
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England selection was a bolt out of the blue for Leeds Rhinos forward James McDonnell.

Wigan-born McDonnell represented England Knights in 2021, but switched to Ireland - where his dad Seamus was born and raised - for the following year’s World Cup. He wasn’t expecting to be considered for England’s mid-season Test against France in Toulouse on Saturday, until a “surprise phone call” from the national coach.

” The 24-year-old has made big strides since joining Leeds ahead of the 2023 season. A product of Wigan Warriors’ academy, he was playing on loan for Leigh in the Betfred Championship when then-coach Rohan Smith spotted his potential. “I feel like I got a great opportunity at Leeds to come and show what I am about,” he said.

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