Crusaders were a slow-motion car crash largely due to the RFL failing to heed warnings about their original owner. I agree that over-confidence following the success of Catalan may have played a part, although the two clubs weren't particularly comparable.

I'd say that SL and the international game have to have parallel development rather than one being prioritised. We aren't ever going to have the domestic fan base to model ourselves on soccer and therefore - like RU and Cricket - need a viable International game to add to the sport's commercial attractiveness. IMO of course.

Not that I can recall. I remember it came out of a meeting with the clubs but not what specific reasons were given.

I [isuspect[/i that one or two of the larger clubs were feeling the pinch commercially and rather than tighten their belts convinced everyone to remove the 'constraint' on spending.

Interesting to note that flat salary cap was set higher than it is now, a decade ago. www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyl ... -1.8m.html That's a big decrease in real terms. So the 50% rule was originally binned off a long time ago - was it re-introduced for a period?

Interesting to note that flat salary cap was set higher than it is now, a decade ago. www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyl ... -1.8m.html That's a big decrease in real terms. So the 50% rule was originally binned off a long time ago - was it re-introduced for a period?

The way I see it he wants a bit more support from the RFL. I do agree with his letter and think the governing body should focus more on the elite clubs in SL rather than pumping money into London and elsewhere. Realistically it's not going to improve the sport and compete with Yawnion or other bigger sports. I do also think it's a desperate cry for personal help as well. Hudgell is probably sick of putting his money into the club and getting no great return. The reason why he does it now is because of his support and passion for the club. You would be in more trouble if it wasn't for a fan with a bit of money.

Us and a number of others - that's his point, really.

On the other hand, it has always been thus to an extent. I might go through my Hull KR centenary history later - decades passed iirc, with each year a note that 'The parent company reported a loss of 21 pounds and 3 shillings', or similar.

I have never had the time of day for Hudgell, for whatever reason but I side with him 100% here. The RFL have wasted millions over the years trying this expansionist game to no avail. They eventually saw daylight and moved the Magic weekend to Manchester after gross failures at Cardiff and Edinburgh. Hudgell deserves a pat on the back this time.

Without wishing to derail the thread. I have asked this once already today and have as yet received no reply:

What is this money that the RFL keep pumping into London?

Don't know about rfl money but someone is paying the £1m+ losses each year for london.
Branson was involved some years ago and to be fair if he cannot make it work who can

Oh aye, who can forget the roaring successes of: Virgin Cola, Virgin Vie, Virgin Vision, Virgin Vodka, Virgin Wine, Virgin Jeans, Virgin Brides, Virgin Cosmetics and Virgin Cars.

Absolutely everything that bloke touches turns to gold

Really. Where have these 'millions' been wasted, exactly?


Cardiff wasn't a failure in economic terms. The RFL were actually paid to stage the first two events there.

Yes - their owner. He's committed to doing so for two more seasons then they have to stand on their own two feet or die.

Edited for reality.