its more their location rather than whether they are a union club per se.

the fact they have loads of money doesnt hurt either i guess.

if you want to expand into a tough market, what better way than linking up with a club which is already established there?

we dont have the funds for a paris team on our own, thats for sure

At this moment a 2nd french team in superleague is a definite no-no,we have to get our own house in order first.

You are like a cracked record.

Give it a rest. We know that is your position.

As for Stade, Richard Holt once noted that the soccer sections at both Stade Francais and Racing were not followed with the same enthusiasm as the union ones. Why would rugby league be different?

I don't agree with him but it's a fair opinion.
RL in England is in a mess in parts

so if thats the criteria LEs catalans shouldnt have been included in SL?

or was RL healthier before and now regressed to being a "mess"

BS.

Heard of the term 'Recession'?
I know you don't understand it being all the way over in insignificant Australia but it has hit SL (and most British sport) BADLY. Warrington, yes Warrington who are a decently running club with good attendances and their OWN stadium were running at a big loss last year until they got to wembley; god knows about some of the others.

Catalans was a right move, im almost certain Stade or Toulouse will be.. but not '12.
I'll say it again, put one expansion franchise for '14 guaranteed and decided in '12 to the side and give it to one of the expansion clubs to create a 16 team league in '14 but next year is just too soon.

It's all about opinions,if you don't like it fine,we know what your position is as well.

Dico,do you not think we should sort out the game in our country first and if(and it's a big if) we do then we should consider a 2nd team from France.

In which context, it's worth noting that Stade Francais posted a 2.5million euro loss this season.

so even though SL crowds are up, and have grown since les catalans were admitted entry, you still say the game is in a mess!


and im guessing you are assuming this recession will continue for at least 2 - 3 more years when the RFL looks at the structure of SL!

with your idea for the future its waiting for godot.

RL is as healthy as its ever been in england

warrington are losing money because they are spending so much on players. this loss is covered by their rich shareholder, and hasnt much to do with the recession.

where is the recession in wigan. heck their crowds are growing by the day.

the next round if licenses is probably too soon for paris, but it certainly could happen if the club and the RFL want it

clearly both the FRL and RFL see the potential here

hey getting a succesful RL club in a city like paris might help just a little bit.