Rugby League: Sir Kevin Sinfield at Rochdale Mayfield for Great Britain Police Rugby League

Simon Howe, Mayfield Chairman, with the Great Britain Police Rugby League Tour Squad

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Great Britain Police Rugby League held a tour launch day at Rochdale Mayfield on Sunday.

The team, which has have local players James Connaughton and Lewis Ainley in the squad, are heading off to Canada later this month to represent their country against Canada and New Zealand Police Force, lead by head coach Gareth Pratt from Littleborough and team manager Chris Cowling from West Yorkshire Police.

The tour squad were honoured to be presented with their Great Britain Jersey by Rugby League legend Sir Kevin Sinfield who spoke to the players about the importance of being selected to represent your country, he also spoke about the honour and pride of touring abroad playing against other countries.

The ex-super league star, who played for Leeds, England and Great Britain, and was appointed an MBE in 2014 for services to rugby league, is now a rugby director with the Rugby Football League. He made the presentations to the players along with Gareth Pratt, Chief Constable of Merseyside Andy Cooke and tour lead Graham Gallagher.

The tour launch day was also attended by Rochdale Mayfield Chairman Simon Howe, who was himself a Great Britain Police RL tourist a few years ago, and he also spoke to the players about some of his experiences representing his country on tour with the police force.

GB Police team manager, Chris Cowling paid special thanks to all the people involved at Rochdale Mayfield for helping them with facilities throughout the year.

The tour squad also had a presentation from an expert in nutrition, Rafik Tahraoui from ‘No Limits’ Nutrition Company. He discussed the importance of having the correct nutrition and hydration pre-match, during match and post match recovery.

A spokesperson said: "All the staff and players from GB Police RL would like to thank all at Rochdale Mayfield for a great day and fantastic hospitality."