Leeds Akkies claimed the Tournois de Nantes with a hard-earned 24-16 over hosts Nantes Bretagne Vikings.
The Akkies were invited to represent the Rugby League Conference at a packed at Stade Michel Lecointre, with a party of 34 male and female players making the trip across the channel.
Veteran prop Rich 'Wilf' Wilkinson scored the match-clinching try in his farewell appearance before ending an open age playing career that actually began in the 1980s.
Meanwhile, in the womens event, the Akkies ladies missed out on further glory as French national champions Pugol claimed the honours in a hotly contested four-team tournament. The event was a typically flamboyant affair, with a lone piper leading the teams onto the pitch, rock music greeting every try and a lavish post-match reception in the pitchside marquee.
"It was a fantastic trip that will live in the memory of all our players for a long time," commented tour manager Lotti Sills. "We couldn't have wished for more hospitable hosts and we look forward to welcoming them back to Leeds in June for the return fixtures."
The Akkies have established themselves as English rugby league's most willing travellers in recent years, following previous ventures to the South of France (St.Martin de Crau XIII), Barcelona (Catalan Universities XIII) and Limerick (Treaty City Titans).
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