This is mental. Isn't there a clutch of clubs in a league on the East Coast of USA? Philly, Providence, Boston etc. Might be a bit lower standard than they want however.

You've hit the nail right on the head there BigRedV. 2016 will be a key season as 2 matches will decide RLWC qualification. I think they realize that the only way that they can improve is to be consistently playing better opposition.

Can it happen? Well, Toronto would automatically be in the Top 10 best-supported sides playing in the three English leagues. Canada got 5,000 to watch them play the RAF for goodness sake! They seem to have the money in place to finance it and a reasonable logistic plan for making it work. Having said that, to call the fanbase fanatical is really a stretch - more like curious at the moment. It's bizarre to be in a stadium with 5,000 people and you are the only one shouting "OFFSIDE!" OR "FORWARD"!

Should it happen? Well, obviously I would love it to, for purely selfish reasons! It doesn't feel right though somehow, I have to say. On the other hand, if a foreign team like Catalans can do it, whats the difference, other than a longer flight?

Will it happen? I cannot see it myself...it's just too far outside the comfort zone of most people.

i didnt know this! fair play. is this where the likes of escare came from then?

Toronto to Manchester in Feb/March is only £400 a pop (London even cheaper) x 25 personnel = £10,000 a trip x 10 trips (less any group/frequent flyer discounts) £100k
These are direct non stop flights which are 8 hours
Arranging group accommadation at various bases for 25 , sharing of training facilities etc around £500-650k

If you make a big group booking 12 months in advance for 10 trips (or 20 trips if you book for opposition teams as well) you will get if for half that.
If you book an extra 25 seats for supporters and sell them on for full price, you will be close to break even.

Exactly, so not the millions that some are saying it would be, in fact totally feasible if they have a backer and some eager fans, throw in 50 SL freebie tickets per visit for them too as a sweetner and see what happens..I mean we'd be the world only global league in a ball contact sport


I would so love for this to happen, especially since Hemel is right on my doorstep

The only issue for me is whether the Canadian team can deal with the regular travelling as the once a year shouldn't be a problem for UK clubs.

Presumably they'd be entered into the Challenge Cup too?

looks like they would try and come and play in batches...even so...would require a lot of time off work in the summer...unless they are thinking of going professional.

Look out for Enoch "the Warrior" Walmalwa if this does happen...the definition of a speedy prop (well a second rower at least)!

Don't see any scenario where the Canadians wouldn't be full time, personally.

Quote mapleyther="mapleyther"looks like they would try and come and play in batches...even so...would require a lot of time off work in the summer...unless they are thinking of going professional. Look out for Enoch "the Warrior" Walmalwa if this does happen...the definition of a speedy prop (well a second rower at least)!'" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6700NLax5Mg Stevo sounds like he has a sore throat and quite enthusiastic..lol

Quote mapleyther="mapleyther"looks like they would try and come and play in batches...even so...would require a lot of time off work in the summer...unless they are thinking of going professional. Look out for Enoch "the Warrior" Walmalwa if this does happen...the definition of a speedy prop (well a second rower at least)!'" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6700NLax5Mg Stevo sounds like he has a sore throat and quite enthusiastic..lol

If this is at all feasible then we should do it. Best case scenario is that the team do really well, end up as a Superleague side by 2020 and Canadian rugby league really takes off. Worst case is that after a couple of years we find it is just not viable and they go back to the Canadian league as better players. If they are willing/able to fund it then it's surely a no brainer.

They would have to go full time though. I don't see how it would work if they all had other jobs.