Oxford RL and Gloucestershire All Golds have given up for 2018 season, hoping to combine resources for the 2019 season in Bristol. Hemel team will still be based in Yorkshire. That's three squads of professional/semi-professionals that would have been looking to the Broncos as the next step up in professional sport. The Broncos academy now looks vital to the health of the game in the south. Hope the new coach and DH agree!

Whilst I don't know too much about this, I do know a little more than is public.

My impression is that the Bristol club will be aimed at player development and giving semi pro opportunities to players from the south west and south wales and wishing them well if they can move on. I don't think there is any intention of a Superleague set up in the short to medium term, and possibly ever.

It should be noted the Bristol 2019 entry is provisional and not guaranteed.

Let us hope that it all works out and we do get a team in Bristol.

Oohh I remember the days when bath ru were scared stiff of 15 blokes who played league in bath back in the late 80s
They genuinely were worried thinking we were going to establish a foothold in the SW and steal there fans.
There was a rumour Jerry guscott was gonna jump the divide and possibly sign for Leeds, we offered him a run out against Dursley just to have a taste of league, he refused because we would not pay his petrol, this was from the fully amateur player. Hey ho, broke my leg in that game as well.

On the plus side with the demise of Oxford and All Golds, the Skolars may pick up some talent and help them push on in the play-offs.

Harvey Burnett, who lives in London, would be a good pick up from Oxford for Skolars however I suspect he may return to union. He was playing for Esher and returned to league with a view to making the Scottish world cup squad, with encouragement from the Scottish set up I believe. It wasn't to be though.

I suspect Skolars bigger gain will be getting to see more of the Broncos lads on dual reg. The likes of Tuoyo, Sid and Lewis have played a fair few times for Oxford between them in recent season. With Hemel based up north it seems likely Broncos and Skolars will move closer in terms of player development.