French: I could never play for England

Bevan French insists he will not be switching allegiance to represent England against Australia in this year's Ashes series; the former Man of Steel is eligible to play for Shaun Wane's side on residency grounds, but does not intend to follow AJ Brimson in putting his name forward to face his homeland; French helped Wigan Warriors strengthen their grip on a top-two place in the Betfred Super League in Friday's 18-4 win away to rivals St Helens

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Marc Bazeley
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Picture by Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com - 27/04/2025 - Rugby League - Betfred Super League: Round 9 - Hull FC vs Wigan Warriors - MKM Stadium, Hull, England - Bevan French of Wigan passes the ball.
Picture by Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com - 27/04/2025 - Rugby League - Betfred Super League: Round 9 - Hull FC vs Wigan Warriors - MKM Stadium, Hull, England - Bevan French of Wigan passes the ball.

BEVAN French has shot down any thoughts of him lining up for England against his home nation of Australia in this year’s Ashes series.

The 29-year-old is eligible to represent Shaun Wane’s side on residency grounds, having played in the Betfred Super League for Wigan Warriors since midway through 2019.

However, speaking after Wigan’s 18-4 win over rivals St Helens on Friday night, former Man of Steel French insisted there was no chance of him following Gold Coast Titans’ AJ Brimson in switching allegiance ahead of the first rugby league Ashes series for 22 years.

“No, I can’t do that,” French told Sky Sports. “I’m Australia born and bred, through and through.

“You’ve still got to look at the England players who are in contention to play in the halves.

“You’ve got Harry [Smith], Mikey [Lewis], George Williams…AJ Brimson, I don’t mind.

“There are plenty in front of me to choose from anyway, but looking at it I don’t think I could ever pull that jersey on.”

French again played a starring role as reigning champions Wigan strengthened their grip on a top-two spot in Super League with two games of their regular season remaining, thanks to a first win away at St Helens since 2021.

That included a stunning offload from the halfback which sent player of the match Jai Field racing the length of the field to finish for a try, with his compatriot hailing French’s unpredictability.

“I think, now, you’ve got to expect it with him,” Field told Sky Sports.

“I always try to put myself in the picture because you don’t know what he’s going to do.

“I don’t think he even knows sometimes, but obviously we reaped the reward there.”