Spain win earns stay of execution

HAVING beaten one of the top 20 ranked sides in the world, veteran Dan Seal hopes England Counties have done enough to keep the party going.

England Counties finished their mini tour of Spain with a 45-28 over the national side last weekend having beaten Basque club side Euskarians 61-19 in their first match.

They scored seven tries against the World Cup hopefuls in Guadalajara, fighting off a spirited comeback from Spain in the second half.

At one time, it looked as if the win over Las Leonas might be the Counties’ last-ever appearance as the side was under threat due to RFU budget cuts.

However, TRP now understands that while scrapping the annual March fixture is still under consideration, the summer tour looks set to stay.

Seal, the former Cornish Pirates, Bedford and Cambridge prop, said: “What the Counties offers in terms of player development, is massive, but we also offer something to the countries we visit something as well.

“Last Friday, for example, we did an outreach programme coaching local players for a few hours. I think that it is important to improve the game throughout the world not just at home.

“The conclusion is that the Counties must continue – so many positives come out of it.”

Playing a sublime brand of rugby under inspirational coach James Shanahan, Counties built up a 33-7 lead before Spain, ranked 18 in the world, came back into the contest.

“Credit must go to the coaches for putting together a quality squad and for that performance after only three training sessions,” Seal added.

“The first half was probably the best half that the Counties has ever played. Spain made changes at half-time and you could see where they get their ranking of 18th from, but we were professional enough in second half to see it out.”

Seal, 37, has now hung up his boots as a National League player after becoming playercoach at Level 9 Bedford Swifts.