I don't know how true that is any more. Sure, there will be plenty of RU fans who would never be seen dead at a League game, but I know plenty of people in the West Country who will watch - or play - both games.

Here's a good example. Bristol Sonics (our local RL community club) have booked a coach to go to the double-header at Wembley. When the 10 quid ticket offer was first announced earlier in the year, we asked players and supporters if they wanted us to organise a trip. We've got 35 or so going. Although some of us are sad League geeks (maybe 6 or so who hail from the North, plus locals who watch League rather than union), the majority of the people going have never been to a pro League game, let alone an international. They were excited by the chance to see England play Australia at Wembley for such a low price. Some of them even got tickets for their "RU" mates.

Another example. My housemate is from Newport. He was brought up with union, though having an English mother he supporters England rather than Wales in that game. However, when I told him that Wales had qualified for the Four Nations this year he said he'd be keen on going. He's also got a ticket for the double-header. He has grown to enjoy League since I've bombarded him with TV games etc, but you wouldn't say he's a big fan or anything - but he interested in international games.

We need to work hard to make internationals "must attend" events. That means getting the message across to people all over the UK who don't normally attend RL games - especially as we can't rely on our own fans to buy tickets in big enough numbers.

International Rugby League returned to London’s Wembley stadium with a bang on Saturday, and laid important foundations for the future.

rlBright Lights, Bigger City!rl

Blog ect...

I, on many occasions, have pinged emails to the ES asking why League gets no coverage. I used to do a lot of work for METRO when they were the same company and the only reason we got inches there (and a shirt sponsorship deal) was because we had an ally high up the food chain at the time.
Both Editorial teams, at METRO and the ES said that RL got little or no coverage because it was a minority sport. Union, as you correctly pointed out, is not much bigger at club level, but is MASSIVE at International level. Add to this the annual 6 nations where England WIN more than they lose, the 2003 RWC victory and the fact that Twickenham is in the south and you have another list of reasons why a 1 off double header that only shifted 46% of its tickets gets less column inches than the other lot who fill Twickenham with ease.
Seriously, with 3 weeks to go Australia v The Baa Baas has sold more tickets than 2 games featuring the top 3 teams in RL managed.
You may not be able to accept it.......you may be right, but the 4 Nations and England RL have Gillette........the other lot have a much longer and bigger hitting list.......see the scrolling list at the bottom of the page
rlhttp://www.rfu.com/rl and compare it to the "partners" declared by the RFL rlhttp://www.therfl.co.uk/rl
The Media are not responsible for 50% of the seats at Wembley being empty and neither are they responsible for Twickenham selling out every game, that would be the fans and the respectives governing bodies marketing spend and ability.