Quote: Worlds Apart "The discussion of stadium capacities and new clubs is honestly beside the point. You cannot simply 'drop in' a new club to an area with no RL pedigree and expect to see it work. There needs to be 5-10 years of hard work in building an amateur base, knowledge of the sport and a public willing to support a team as more than just a fad.
First of all, the RFL needs to engage with rugby clubs across the country. Many Union clubs sit doing nothing for the summer - a short, summer, amateur season could well appeal to them as a way to keep kids & players turning up and the bar money ticking over. The RFL should be offering coaching & reffing courses, as well as large regional end-of-season tournaments for the kids. Get them playing RL, get them over the idea that 'it's not proper rugby', and open up a significantly larger playing pool to RL.
Second, identify areas with the greatest potential for success in terms of amateur scene development & largest catchment, for trial games to whet the public's appetite for RL.
Ideally this would take the form of an England international as part of a home-nations series similar to the 6N. Given the crowd in Bristol for the Cookies game at the WC, England v Wales in Bristol could sell out Ashton Gate easily.
This to be followed up by the designation of the venue city as an 'on the road' venue. Preferably given an exciting title. One extra round of fixtures to be played in the venue, local derbies preferably, so the city has a 'home' game every week. Season tickets available cheaply, with money raised going to fund local RL. Constant marketing support for local amateur sides, and a 'Rugby League Shop' in the town centre selling SL club & England merchandise.
This to be followed up with the entry of a franchise into the Championship, and then (if things work out) SL.'"
The outside investment will only come for SL