The aim in Paris would be to catch a new audience. The RFL will have to decide the best financial outcome. Have it in England and get a crowd of 10-12K. Or have it in Paris and chance their arms at attracting the Rugby Union audience along with 2-4K Catalan fans. I remember Leeds playing South Sydney in America and the crowd was an amazing 12,000. Who would have thought that? It a gamble for the RFL and it only fair to Catalans that they have a semi final on there shores for once.

We can easily fly to Paris

Wasn't the France v England match played in Paris last year & the attendance was very poor.

Personally I think it would be a financial disaster to play it in Paris

You think wrong. The rumour goes that Paris as a city is willing to underwrite the fixture, and I suspect the RFL will only take the game there on that basis.

Were the RFL not desperate to keep Leeds and Wigan apart ?

rugby LEAGUE does not translate well in the UNION heartland of northern France. If they want a European game it would have to be played in the south.

I agreed WITF, we can easily fly to Paris BUT easy though it would be the crowds would be far smaller in Paris than if played in the UK. My point was that it would be just as easy for Cats to get to the UK as it is for them to travel north.

RFL needs to make a choice....... spread the game or have a sell-out.

Your knowledge of France leaves a little to be desired. No-one in northern France gives two hoots about rugby of either code, with the notable exception of Stade Francais who are the posh Parisien's alternative to the thugs of PSG. Northern France is all about football.

Not if that ash cloud as anything to do with it....

Seriously, if Wire and Catalans are paired together, it should be at Widnes or Barcelona......Taking it to London or Paris in front of a half empty stadium would just put another nail into the Challenge Cup coffin.

Wire V Catalan at Paris?

Wire fans can easily fly into Paris??

In today's league Express, Paris, Toulouse, Mille and Barcelona are all touted as possible venues.

Yep, unlike Yorkshire folk, on this side of the Pennines we're able to travel further than the next pit village, be it to watch a game or catch a flight.

OFFICIAL

DRAW FOR CC SEMI-FINAL

Saints v Wire @ JJB
Catalans v Leeds @ Paris

TO BE CONFIRMED BY RFL WEDNESDAY 1

Although i understand the sentiment in making it fair for catalans by having a semi final played in france i dont see what difference it would make to the team themselves. Either way they'll be flying over so i doubt an extra half hour or so on a plane will make a huge amount of difference. A semi over here would be a far beter money spinner for both clubs as the attendance will be much higher.

Admittedly it would be slighty better for the Catalans support but how much better really? A few quid difference flying on easyjet or something.
How would it look on the TV with only about 4k for a semi final? I reckon we'd take at most 2k over especially as, and i hate to say it but if we draw Catalans then there'll be quite a few people saving up for Wembley instead.

Warrington to Paris ~350 miles

Perpignan to Paris ~ 500 miles

So, whilst the intension is that it would 'benefit' the French side, they actually have to travel further.

Well that's the logic of the RFL......... perhaps

Bog mistake to play it anywhere but northern England IMO. In recent years, the emphasis has been on full stadiums and that seems the best way. I'll personally never forget the atmosphere for last seasons semi, which for me was the best in nearly 40 years of watching the Wire.