Former Salford Red Devils man reveals amazing connection with Gareth Bale and rugby union star

Super League Grand Finals, Challenge Cup Final wins, Man of Steels, Harry Sunderland Awards, Lance Todd Trophies – all are major accolades in the sport of rugby league.

But perhaps there is a greater accolade still than these and that is captaining your country in a World Cup.

Ask Sam Tomkins, a four-time Super League Champion, a Man of Steel, a double winner, what his greatest achievement is and he will likely say leading England out at St James’ Park on Saturday in from of 43,119 fans in their World Cup opener against Samoa.

Tonight, former Salford Red Devils man Elliot Kear got to do the same as the Cardiff born centre led Wales out for their clash against Cook Islands in the World Cup and he revealed an amazing duo of captains he grew up alongside.

Speaking to the BBC ahead of tonight’s game, Kear revealed that he went to school with rugby union Lions skipper Sam Warburton and former Real Madrid star and Wales football captain Gareth Bale: “Any sportsman wants to captain their country and to do it on this stage makes you feel like you’re in the middle of the media eye.

“I was lucky enough to be in the same school year as Sam Warburton and Gareth Bale, Lions captain and Gareth is going captain Wales in the Qatar World Cup.

“So, no one knew that there would be three captains of their countries in three different sports in one school. It’s remarkable.”

A remarkable trio and Bale will be hoping to emulate the togetherness of Kear’s side with the centre saying this of his squad: “We want to play for each other, we’re all proud Welshmen.