People say bring back GB as though that will fix the issues, but fans had stopped attending internationals when we did still have GB in there.

I don't necessarily disagree by the way, just that I don't think it would actually make much difference.

Also, people shouldn't overlook the potential in Wales. In the last two World Cups held over here, Swansea and Cardiff have attracted some very good crowds, some of the biggest of the torunament.

But its also got worse since the end of GB.

Wales dont have any fans, Ireland dont, Scotland certainly dont (Ofcourse im exagerating) but they just dont have the fanbase.

The RFL shouldve promoted GB rather than disbanded it. Reverting back to GB needs to be a start.

I remember at the end of every season nipping into JJB sports to get the new GB shirt and looking forward to the upcoming tests. Im English with Irish family so for me GB was an extension of my support for the Rhinos.

Since GB disbanded I can honestly say International RL has lost its appeal massively!

That has been in correlation with the poor quality of the team though. The team has not competed properly since 2006 really.

And yet there is plenty of support for the rumoured Wigan connection to South Wales.

Correct.

Why dont they have a competition every year between the home 4 nations and France. As well as the tri nations with GB, NZ and OZ. Have games played as a double header in a decent stadium. The new Saints, HJ or Salford's new ground. Then have the top 2 face off and have it as a curtain raiser for the final of the tri nations.

Putting Wales in against the 3 top RL international sides is a recipe for disaster and will only lead to severe hammering for us. If the time comes (do not think i will ever though) that Wales or any of the other sides can give the top 3 sides a decent game then have them in the bigger comp. For some reason the RFL is adamant on seperating GB an Ireland sides. RFL is killing Internationl rugby and its not bothered about it i feel.

It's not just the demise of GB - which I would also bring back - but the nature of the competitions played.

There used to be a rhythm to International RL with tours, Ashes series etc, all happening to a regular timeframe. This has been replaced by a 4 nations which always includes at least 1 ludicrously uncompetitive team, and a World Cup which seems to happen when the authorities feel like it, rather than to a schedule.

At the same time, we've gone from big crowds at Wembley/major football stadiums, to using medium sized grounds (DW/KC etc) to now Leigh Sports Village.

While the alignment of the seasons in GB & Aus means tours are now impractical, bringing back the Ashes would be a step forward, as it actually [umeans[/u something.

It's a crying shame - International RL used to be good in the late 80's/90's.

You're right there. Union has come on leaps and bounds. Most of what they are implimenting is copied from RL, which is possibly at the the of it's evolutionary branch. RU is still evolving and we could at some point in the future see an amalgamation, with profesionals playing RL but calling it RU.

If Union and League did join up they'd call it "Rugby"

I don't really understand the relevance GB is supposed to have? No Welsh, Irish or Scottish fans had any interest in GB and pretty much every game was played in England. Basically every player in the team was English! It was an England squad not a GB squad so I'm not surprised they switched to just plain old England.

At least with the individual nations competing there's a chance that some Welsh, Irish or Scottish fans would turn up to watch their team. Even if it's just in tiny numbers it's people who are interested in watching the game.

I really don't see how going back to GB would make any difference at all.

Nope.

It has in the past (look at attendances in the early 20th Century) and it almost did in the 80's.

The reality is that the opportunity has passed due to the Communists that are incumbent in the appropriately named "Red Hall".

The greatest game in the world on the pitch, ruined by socialists off it.

Put the cap back on the gin bottle and slowly back away from the drinks cabinet.

I'm sorry old bean, what are you insinuating?