Quote: Rach "Depends on your definition of a 'proper' Rugby League area Tim ...
Historically yes the teams in traditional RL heartlands are going to be stronger on the field ,but take as an example Hemel have a pro team , two amateur open age sides , junior club sides from U7's to 16's and EVERY Upper and Primary in the town have some RL coaching either at tag or full contact level happening in their school for boys and girls . The Skolars have a strong base in North London covering not just youth rugby but overseeing the amateur clubs, Masters and Student RL ,( a damn sight more than happens in Keighley !!) .Doesn't that make them proper RL areas ?'"
Only history will prove either of us right or wrong Rach. London has only had approximately 35 years history, so I will hold my hand up in another 10 years if there has been a shift (surely 45 years is long enough).
Chances are also that all the good work down there will be lost to Ra RA rugby when they are adults.
I cannot argue with the demographics that London has for it not to work (10 million or thereabouts to pick from)
I never thought I would hear a Cougar fan defending areas/teams that became part of the reason Cougars were denied entry to Super Dooper League.
I never stated either that Keighley was a hotbed (unless Siddal, Featherstone, Cumbria, St Helens and Castleford have suddenly have become part of the Worth Valley)
other than that hes great.
