I also saw the web page discussion a South West Team in either Bristol; Exeter or Cornwall (oddly Plymouth wasn't mentioned). Obviously travel would be a factor for semi-pro Championship 1 but I seem to remember Aspatria having to play Redruth in the RU prior to open professionalism so it clearly can be done.

Also Bowes posted about the Irish RL looking to join the Championship.

I wish Coventry could find the funding to make the step up. The Butts Arena would make a great NL1 ground.

So really it's add some new clubs ( which dosen't look likely) or merge the Championship into one division.

there's talk of an irish side in north west countire...eek!!! now that's an issue!

[sizeadmitedly, they play at bangor in wales and have a deal on ferry travel[/size

Carlisle, are you crazy?

Bramley, Hemel and Nottingham would be the best placed but even then none are really ready. Hemel have been 'just about to join the semi-pro ranks' for 20 years so I'll believe that when I see it, they've only got a good team on the field because they took half of Coventry's team

Can't see that working, though they (Tallaght Tigers) currently play in the NW division of the RL Merit League