Don't forget Catalans play in their domestic competition as well. We are almost playing 12 month rugby, and our team in the domestic competition is there trying to develop French players to come through.

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

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 "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 "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.

You wouldn't get anywhere near half the price - the reason being the vast bulk of, say, £450 is tax and other charges (fuel surcharge, apd, etc). The actual fare (the bit they are occasionally willing to discount) is about £50, maybe as high as £75. You might get a tenner off.

And remember at some point you'll be travelling over the summer period when demand is at its highest and airlines are less likely to discount for Groups business. There's a common misconception that airlines love Groups business - that's not generally true as they're only discounting a large number of seats that would probably sell at a higher fare.

Either way, accommodation and expenses (food, etc) would likely be the main cost - let's say they stay 30 nights to play 4 games, and do that 3 times a year, factor in accommodation, coach transport, food & drink, facilities hire, etc and costs start to rise.

But it's easily achievable if they can get the right sponsors and backers on board. The RFL should also approach a carrier like Air Canada Rouge who fly seasonally Toronto to Manchester. I doubt they'll offer any great rates but any saving is worthwhile, perhaps tie in some form of branding to offset any discount. Be great if it went ahead.