WARRINGTON Wolves’ Youth Development department hosted the French under 16s and under 18s national coach, Thierry Dumaine, this week.

Dumaine spent time with head of youth, junior recruitment and development Ben Lazenby, player performance manager Phil Jones and the head coaches from Wolves’ under 16s and under 19s Gary Chambers, Danny Fullerton and Lee Briers.

In addition to spending time with the youth development department, Dumaine spent a day with the first team during their preparation for the clash with Leeds Rhinos at Headingley on Friday.

Dumaine has worked fulltime for the FFR XIII for more than eight years and in that time has worked with the full national side, junior representative sides as well as head coach for the under 20s Roosters team in 2010, Toulouse Olympique between 2006 and 2008, and Limoux between 2004 and 2006.

Dumaine was keen to see how Warrington Wolves were looking after the development of junior half back Louis Jouffret, who is currently in the under 19s squad and who played for the French national under 18s team prior to his arrival in Warrington.

He was also keen in exploring the potential for a partnership with the FFR in regards to developing young French players in the highly-regarded Warrington Wolves system.

Ben Lazenby said: “Having Thierry here has been an absolute pleasure, we have had time to discuss rugby league playing and coaching philosophies, players’ performances as well as a potential partnership to support elite French junior players here in the future.”

“I hope that Thierry has enjoyed his time with us and maybe learnt a few things about our system and philosophies, we have all enjoyed his company and have learnt from him and we wish him all the success in the future.

“This year the England under 16s and under 18s have tests against France and we will be keen to see how our England representatives go against some of the French talent”

Dumaine added: ”As the national coach for the under 18s team, my visit to Warrington was very important as I am keen to follow the improvement of one of our junior players, Louis Jouffret.

“It was important to meet the coaching staff and try to build a relationship to share knowledge on the player, as well as discuss future projects.

“I have enjoyed my time in Warrington and have met some very good people in Lee Briers and Gary Chambers, with whom I have had several discussions.

“I was very pleased to be invited to observe the training session of the first team and spend time with Tony Smith.

“I would like to thank Ben for his time and for allowing me to make the visit and create the link between the French Federation and Warrington Wolves Academy.

“Ben and I have had some interesting and extensive chats about bringing players over to Warrington to attend the college as well as be involved in one of the best academies in England.

“It was also good to reacquaint myself with Phil Jones, who I have met before and to cross reference the players we are looking at bringing over, Phil, like the other staff was very welcoming and I’d like to thank him for his time.”