Seems Dico thinks it is pointless too.

Not necessarily good sir, simply I think that's one of the driving factors behind. I'm not stating there may/may not be other benefits, I'm personally looking forward to the idea but can certainly understand the apprehension from certain quarters regarding player welfare and finances. But this is for Toulouse's sake, imho of course..

A nice concept, but fatally flawed by the basic 'Champion of Europe' premise.

Unless it's a meaningful contest for the other six clubs involved, why bother? The only way forward that comes to mind immediately is if this years 'Champion of Europe' plays the top team of the 'other' league the following year to give a rolling champion, or something? Unfortunately this removed the league that this years winning side plays in next year, defeating the object?


I see crowds in the hundreds in this format, it's a complete waste of time and effort.

Typical RFL gimmick no substance very little thought, pointless and useless

I'd play a double header in each country tbh.
I can see what you're saying but I like the idea, Leigh playing in the Challenge Cup is 'pointless' anything's pointless if it's reduced down to it. It's a challenge game, with some prize money at stake, against a team that you probably won't see play again. Sure the concept could do with a little work but I think we'll find this was a 'test the water' scenario, both as to interest, and the French clubs' strength. I would anticipate an expanded concept should this be succesful

Why is Leigh on the CC pointless? No matter how slim the chance, we can still win that. The way this is set up, we've no chance at all.
I'm not knocking the concept, just the pointlessness of the set up. Sort that and it's worth doing, but while we're playing for - at best, regardless -second place, why bother with it?
Sport is about competing to win isn't it?

No, Leigh have zero chance of winning the Challenge cup, I see what you're saying however the scenario's aren't that fundamentally different other than the 'heritage' of the cup. On average, Leigh will have one payday, to earn a few quid in a comp they arent going to win and so on. I do think this was an attempt to shoehorn Toulouse in 2015, and I think the concept has arrived from a desire to not clog the fixture list and expenses receipts too heavily. If it works out well i'm sure, with more planning then we shall see an expanded comp next year. On another note, you all turn out in your numbers for those pre season friendlies, get off yer backsides and go support your team

always enjoy the challenge cup, bradford last year was a great day out! we travelled very well too. Hopefully we get wigan/leeds away if we beat halifax.

unless we could get London at home. I'd be confident of an upset

I think ultimately that could be the sort of logic they're aiming at but there's a few potholes in the RL world, especially the semi pro game an administration has to maneouver. To put your idea in the firing line for one second (I don't disagree, just playing devils advocate), i'm not sure the seasons do end together, hence the current planned dates, besides, although I take your point about the squads changing, it's a great time of season to host it. Maybe a champion of champions following the season would work but when it is currently, it should be good weather and it's not interfering with the business end of the season.

Secondly, the WCC of 97.
Remember it? I was only a kiddywink then, but even then I remember the dire crowds, the overinflation of players' wages and the ridiculous amount of money that was lost. As stated previously, this is a test the water phase, it's keeping expenses down, if they took a month from the season, involved 8 teams going round robin, 500 crowds turned up, hotels, flights blah blah blah then you can see how quickly it can turn into a very expensive shindig, not to mention that it's not had enough preparation.

It isn't perfect by any means but I can certainly see why they have taken this 'dip your toes in' approach for the first year, but lets not forget, this is for the french sides. A few french winners and you'll begin to see an expanded comp, SL applications coming from everywhere, hell, maybe Leigh should go and join THEIR comp

For me - can't see a problem with the Co-op Champs playing the French Champs in a 'challenge match'.......why not make it a 'curtain-raiser' (or double-header,depending on how you want to spin it!) with the WCC......affording another 'shop window' to the clubs (on both sides of the channel!) outside SDL??
What I do have a problem with is three completely pointless fixtures running alongside this challenge game.....and the fact Toulouse are 'in', irrespective of where they finish!!

Considering the 9/7 split of SL to Champ clubs, the last 16 draw could have been kinder. As it looks, just us or Fax will be left to represent the Championship in the quarter finals

Think you might be on the wrong thread mate!! - This is a discussion about the 'Anglo-French' farce coming up later in the season - not the CC!!

Agreed, that would make a much better idea than the other one.