Mike Butt has been drafted into Wales’ Rugby League squad – after joking he had a Welsh granny.
But the Swinton Lions flier discovered that his Welsh roots are true and that has earned him place in the squad for the European Championship and 2021 Rugby League World Cup qualifiers.
“I was out in Mexico for a wedding and I was having a light-hearted chat with Rhodri Lloyd over text,” Butt explained.
“I was saying as a bit of a mess around how I was eligible because my gran was Welsh, but I didn’t actually realise that was the case and it qualified me to play.”
Butt, who made the Wales management aware of his eligibility when he found out, had a strong season with Swinton in 2018, winning the club‘s Man of Steel and try of the season awards.
He was pipped to the supporters’ player of the season by Rhodri Lloyd.
“I was expecting to be heading back into pre-season at some point, but I’ve now found out I’m in the Wales squad,” Butt said.
“It’s brilliant news and I honestly can’t wait to get started.
“There are some very good players in the squad and I’ve played against the likes of Rhys Williams in the Championship for quite a few years.
“Everything’s panned out really quickly, but I now need to get my head down in training and work hard. I need to set down a marker so I can earn my place in the team.
“It’s going to be a big tournament as World Cup qualification is at stake. I can’t wait.”
