DRINGHOUSES ace Pat Smith and up-and-coming York City Knights starlet Jordan Rice have been praised by Rugby Football League chiefs following Great Britain Students’ historic series win down under.
Half-back Smith, who goes to Hallam University and plays for Sheffield Eagles and is the older brother of the Knights’ Ed Smith, and back-rower Rice, who studies in Hull, were in the Academic Lions party that will return to Blighty with the Student Ashes trophy after winning a series for the first time ever in Australia.
It was also the first time GB Students had beaten the Aussie Students in a series since 2000.
The first test was drawn 20-20, Britain having led 20-10, and the Lions bounced back from the disappointment of not winning that one by sealing the second Test 10-4 and the third 24-10. Smith played in the first two Tests, in Brisbane, and Rice played in the third, in Cairns.
RFL chairman Richard Lewis said: “Winning any test series is a great achievement, but doing so in Australia is terrific.
“I’d like to congratulate all the players and management for producing some tremendous performances over the last few weeks and winning the Academic Ashes.”
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