Harlequins FC are as I understand it are co-owned by Charles Jillings, a city gent (resigned as Chairman in aftermath of "Bloodgate"icon_wink.gif and Sydney based businessman Duncan Saville. As far as I am aware neither are RL fans. What their long term aims are only they would know. As for investment I understand they don't although they may have passed up on an option to purchase by the RL operation in the recent past. I'm sure some. nutters will clarify/correct these points and if wrong I will gladly sit corrected.
As for Chiswick.....it would be great if the RFL got involved.......and the club looked at developing it over time, but in reality, I can't see Quins RL or whatever we may end up being called ever doing anything other than rent a ground. The only time Chiswick would be an option would be if we were the unlucky ones chosen to step down this summer.

The stand has been listed for years, going back to when it was barely being used after Fulham left. There has been some work done in recent years, there is now a gym and fitness club stretching out on either side of the stand and the small bit of terracing has been demolished. The cinder track (which my old school used for athletics meetings) has gone to be repaced by tarmac car parking areas at either end of the football pitch. And there are two hockey pitches further on past the main pitch.

It's probably true to say that planning consent would be difficult, but I like the idea of using it as a central hub for amateur / age group RL in London, along with the Quins Academy. The RFL could even base all of its London staff there.

This might be worth considering www.dacorum.gov.uk/pdf/SpatialPl ... Phase2.pdf

This might be worth considering www.dacorum.gov.uk/pdf/SpatialPl ... Phase2.pdf

Probably as long as London Wasps and London Irish

Nice one

Fair enough, but how many current regulars at Wycombe Wasps & Reading Irish watched those clubs when they were based in London? "London Stags" playing at Hemel Hempstead may possibly work as a Superleague franchise, but it would essentially be a different club, just as Crusaders are since moving to Wrexham, and would need to build a whole new support base pretty much from scratch. It might suit some current supporters to play there, and some others would doubtless be fanatical enough to follow the club there regardless, but I would imagine only a fraction of the current regular support would be interested.

I'd like to think Harlequins RL, like our union namesakes, will remain a true London club.

if at all possible, yes

According to that document the council want to go with a 5,000 capacity stadium so that it meets both Football League and RFL criteria. Hemel Hempstead Town FC have dreams of reaching the FL, and Hemel Stags have apparently told the council they wish to apply for a licence for the Championship.

are they gonna do a "Franchise FC" job then??