That population for Workington is only for the actual town centre. There are many satellite connurbations that are within 10 mins drive of the town such as Seaton, High Harrington, Stainburn, Clifton etc. When you include all of those the population rises to around 49,000. The you have the smaller towns such as Cockermouth and Maryport which are all within 15-20 mins from Workington.

Similarly with Whitehaven, you must take into account places like Cleator Moor, Egremont and St Bees to get a clearer picture.

so what kind of figures are we talking about? and how many of those are interested in rugby league and would go to watch a cumbrian team?

But just to see the otherside Micheal, I am from South Cumbria, near Barrow and I regard myself as a Cumbrian, Barrow has been considerd part of Cumbria since 1974 (i think), I cant speak for everyone in South Lakes but I consider myself a Cumbrian, and not a Lancastrian

each to their own. im officially from greater manchester but im a lancastrian through and through.

I see your point, but I imagine you have never been given the opportunity to represent Gtr Manchester at Rugby League, being from (i think) Wigan you would have the opportunity to represent Lancashire, being from Barrow you would represent Cumbria, despite it historically being in Lancashire.

I was born in Cumbria, and its probably one of the only boundry changes where an identity has been formed in what was formerly another county.

Kendal has no history of rugby league, a union town I believe. 50+ miles to workington and whitehaven through the Lake District for 1hr 30? Not really feasible is it?

It is, I have heard some absolutley ridiculous suggestions over the years regarding a Cumbrian SL team but none moreso than basing the ground in a non-league town 50 miles away from west cumbria and 30 miles away from Barrow. Also Kendal is smaller than Barrow and smaller than the Copeland/Allerdale area where Rugby League already thrives.

I take it you're a Cumbrian? Shouldn't we ask the fans if a merger is what they want or like it how it is? What is your opinion? do you aspire for SL? What would be the dream situation? [sizesorry for all the questions

and of course whitehaven and workington were in cumberland. neither have been part of the county of lancashire. that's the difference with barrow.
but i'm not going to tell you how to feel. ive had enough of that from mancs teling me wigan is in lesser manchester

I am mate!



Yes, I suppose we should, but it depends what the question is.
At the moment I dont think Cumbria even registers on the RFL's radar. Either as a merged entity or stand alone clubs.

As Derwent has said, the stand alone clubs are a mile off beng anywhere near Super League, I agree with that.

I also think merged Franchise in the west would alienate those fans in South Cumbria and vice versa.

FWIW the mid point between Barrow and West Cumbria on the A595 is probably between Ravengalss and Bootle, these are both very small towns/villages



Yes, of course, I think every club aspires to SL in some way, e.g Barrow have drawn Wigan in the Challenge cup and the buzz in the town is amazing, I have never seen anything like it in my life and it would be great to welcome the best sides to Barrow on a regular basis.



Barrow in Super League as South Cumbrias repersentative and Workington and Whitehaven either merged or one of (maybe both) as West Cumbrias representative.

I think your missing the point mate, when i was a nipper repping Cumbria, despite Barrow historically being in Lancs, Lancs and Yorks were "the enemy".

So because young Barrovian and South Lakes RL players only rep Cumbria we have NO affinity with Lancs.

You will find that the majority of people who have any affinity with Lancs in Barrow are over 60, the majority of youngsters only know Barrow as a Cumbrian town

no i'm not, im agreeing with you even if i didnt do a good job of demonstrating it
my cousin's ex is 30 and from barrow. she always said she was from cumbria.

I think if cumbria has a SL team it will be in Barrow, I work around cumbria quite regularly and its the only town with a population large enough, if only their new backer can afford a bridge they might get some more away fans!

blink and you miss it