LINDSAY ANFIELD is hopeful that her new involvement with the Catalans Dragons’ women’s team can have a knock-on effect to the England national side.
After ending a successful five-year spell with York Valkyrie in October, Anfield was unsure of her next move within until a conversation with the coaches at Déesses Catalanes sparked an interest for her.
The new role will see the former fullback travel to the south of France on a regular basis to lead weekend training camps with the squad, who have applied to the RFL to take part in this season’s Challenge Cup competition.
“A few clubs got in touch when it was announced that I was leaving York, but I really wanted to do something dynamic and innovative and work with people with the same sort of philosophy and work ethic as me,” Anfield, who previously coached Castleford Tigers, told League Express.
“When I was at Castleford we went over to France a couple of times and played Catalans so I’ve always kept in touch with the staff. But then about a month ago they were telling me about the projects that they’re working on and it was just really exciting.
“They are just really looking to take the team forward this year and if I can go out there every few weeks and add some value to the coaching team then it’s an exciting thing to be part of.
“They’ve got a full pathway over there with all different age ranges and I’ll be getting involved with staff making sure that the players are focused as we are hoping to be playing in the Challenge Cup this year.
“I know Tom Brindle is really involved in Wales and knows that by helping them grow it’ll ultimately help England, so if the France team can grow as well than that will equally make the international game stronger.
“So I’m also trying to liaise with the French Rugby League as well to do what I can to support them and help them develop.”