A real European Super League

[PacificCoastRL]

Here's an idea. Suppose there are a number of individuals with deep pockets looking to expand the ESL into Europe. Recognizing the fact that all the clubs in the ESL will certainly apply to compete in the new ESL, but some will not have the means to compete, list the current 14 teams in the ESL in order of their ability to compete in a new, improved ESL. Also - nominate any number of other European cities/regions that could be considered for expansion of the new ESL. Remember we have some deep pocketed individuals who are prepared to prop up some of these expansion clubs until rugby league takes hold, and there is also an infusion of money for some of the established clubs as sponsors can see the value in an expanded ESL. Fantasy, I know. But humor me. I look forward to your responses.
P.S. I am running this poll because I feel the ESL will never be on firm footing until they expand their base beyond the boundaries of Northern England.

 

[Evil Homer]

The idea of dropping teams into areas with no history of the RL whatsoever is a pretty touchy subject with British fans, and with good reason. However, if we are talking pure fantasy, then I would like to see expansion throughout England and Wales - maybe a couple of teams in London, a couple in the Midlands and maybe other places like Bristol. The idea of a European league is completely stupid IMO and I think people should probably forget all about that. RE your final point, the game is on extremely solid footing in the North but it clearly does need to expand and the RFL are proceeding with this as best thay can.

 

[1 Eyed TEZZA]

Expansion is great for the game and all, but it is most important to look after your current customers rather then searching for new ones.

Put teams where the fans are. (not saying places like London and Melbourne shouldn't have teams, but not at the expense of teams where fans are)

 

[CC_Roosters]

I think the RFL will look towards a 2nd french side in the medium term, most likely and deseriably toulouse, given its a large urban centre. Catalans seem to be on solid foundations and are churning out youngsters and importantly results on the field, so at some point France will be ripe for a 2nd side in SL.

Question is do we want a 2nd french side in SL at the expense of the Elite league? My understanding is it has made great improvements in recent years and toulouse are heading back there for next year so will be stronger for their re-inclusion. My answer is no if it damages the French league.

Once the 14 side comp has stabilised and the standard lifted i would like to see a 15th and 16th side, although thats very much a medium term. Anything outside of the south of France, Eng and Wales is super long term. But in the spirit of the thread, i would like to see

-An Irish side
-Team in Glasgow
-Welsh side again, perhaps 2
-Paris
-Toulouse
-Team based in a midlands city, Nottingham is strong at amateur level so maybe there?

 

[1 Eyed TEZZA]

If we want to strengthen the French Elite, would SL clubs be willing to play some of them from time to time? Sure they will destroy them but it may help create a bit of interest and show the French where they need to be.

 

[langpark]

To me, from the ones that could be considered 'expansion' clubs are all more or less in or close enough to 'heartlands' of rugby league. These are Toulouse, Avignon and to a lesser extent, Sheffield.

These are the only ones I can see having a chance of entering Super League this decade and all have still a lot of work ahead if this is to become a reality. But if they can make some big off-field progress in these next few years, then I can see them being successful.

Super League has made too much progress to start accepting mediocrity again and teams that are on life support from day 1. Any team that enters needs to hit the ground running just like the Catalans did in 2006....

 

[siv]

Soccor had to deal with the issue and you now see teams usually only playing in their national comps

 

[Steve Davy]

Here's an idea. Suppose there are a number of individuals with deep pockets looking to expand the ESL into Europe. .....

Unfortunately, that is a huge supposition.

 

[VictoryFC]

Deep pockets aren't the problem either. Everything stems from grassroots. For example, if Serbia keep on progressing upwards and building on their grassroots work, you could potentially have a Belgrade-based club in the future. You don't need deep pockets for that, but a movement in grassroots which is slowly taking shape in places like Belgrade.

 

[PacificCoastRL]

Deep pockets aren't the problem either. Everything stems from grassroots. For example, if Serbia keep on progressing upwards and building on their grassroots work, you could potentially have a Belgrade-based club in the future. You don't need deep pockets for that, but a movement in grassroots which is slowly taking shape in places like Belgrade.

Thank you all for your responses and for indulging me in this fantasy. But now, let's look further down the road. As VFC says, everything stems from grassroots and he has cited Serbia as a country that is progressing in rugby league. What are some other countries/regions in Europe that in 5-10 years time could be considered for a spot in ESL. Or maybe it's more than 10 years, nevertheless, who is making progress.

 

[bender]

Thank you all for your responses and for indulging me in this fantasy. But now, let's look further down the road. As VFC says, everything stems from grassroots and he has cited Serbia as a country that is progressing in rugby league. What are some other countries/regions in Europe that in 5-10 years time could be considered for a spot in ESL. Or maybe it's more than 10 years, nevertheless, who is making progress.

Okay, I will list what i see as the 14 best logistical places at the moment i think i have my .

1. London City
3. City of Leeds
4. Kingston upon Hull City
5. Catalan region
6. Mersey Side
7. Wakefield City (West Yorkshire)
8. City of Greater Manchester(Wigan)
9. Warrington City (Cheshire)
10.Sheffield City
11 Lancahire
12.Toulouse
13 Aude Region
14 Cardiff City

Other Possible expansion places once this league is set in stone. Would include:
Paris, Newcastle, Moscow, Beirut much further down the track though.

 

[WireMan]

Okay, I will list what i see as the 14 best logistical places at the moment i think i have my .

1. London City
3. City of Leeds
4. Kingston upon Hull City
5. Catalan region
6. Mersey Side
7. Wakefield City (West Yorkshire)
8. City of Greater Manchester(Wigan)
9. Warrington City (Cheshire)
10.Sheffield City
11 Lancahire
12.Toulouse
13 Aude Region
14 Cardiff City

Other Possible expansion places once this league is set in stone. Would include:
Paris, Newcastle, Moscow, Beirut much further down the track though.

1. Quins
2. ?
3. Leeds
4. Either Hull team
5. Dragons
6. St Helens
7. Either Wakey team
8. Salford and Swinton
9. Warrington
10. Giants can go back home
11. Wigan
12. Toulouse
13. Close to Catalans? Maybe Paris or Barca.
14. Crusaders.

Not a million miles away from where we are now. By the next round of Franchises, one of the Wakey clubs will go as neither will have a ground and Hull KR will be playing even more Aussies. So they can be replaced by a French team and a Welsh one. Your nearly there then.

Team 2 can be another London club, covering a different part of the capital.


If we have more French teams in the super league, it will give the players twice as much chance of being picked up by a super league team.

 

[langpark]

Not a million miles away from where we are now. By the next round of Franchises, one of the Wakey clubs will go as neither will have a ground and Hull KR will be playing even more Aussies. So they can be replaced by a French team and a Welsh one. Your nearly there then.

Team 2 can be another London club, covering a different part of the capital.


If we have more French teams in the super league, it will give the players twice as much chance of being picked up by a super league team.

Why do Hull KR always get mentioned as a team who should get chopped? Their crowd average this year was 7th best in the league (8.321) just after Catalans who had the 6th highest (8,400). AND, they don't have an annual derby spike in crowds that dramatically alters their average, even when they play Hull FC, the capacity is still limited to 10,000 or so, so it's not doing much in terms of distorting their average.

There are many worse teams than HKR....

 

[WireMan]

Why do Hull KR always get mentioned as a team who should get chopped? Their crowd average this year was 7th best in the league (8.321) just after Catalans who had the 6th highest (8,400). AND, they don't have an annual derby spike in crowds that dramatically alters their average, even when they play Hull FC, the capacity is still limited to 10,000 or so, so it's not doing much in terms of distorting their average.

There are many worse teams than HKR....

Yeah but in a real Euro super league there is room for only one Hull team.

Hull KR, had plans to upgrade the stadium which suddenly fell through just after the franchise decision was made. They have the only derby in super league (thats there only selling point!!) so not sure what point your making there.
They offer very little to the game. So in the Euro super league. They are gone.

 

[langpark]

Yeah but in a real Euro super league there is room for only one Hull team.

Hull KR, had plans to upgrade the stadium which suddenly fell through just after the franchise decision was made. They have the only derby in super league (thats there only selling point!!) so not sure what point your making there.
They offer very little to the game. So in the Euro super league. They are gone.

My point is that they get consistently good crowds, and don't rely on a visiting team to boost the overall average. It's like when wigan play saints, or leeds v bradford, there is a big spike in crowds because of away fans. HKR don't have this yet they are STILL in the top half of SL crowd-wise...

Anyway, this Euro league that you guys speak of, will NEVER happen. two french teams at the most, and maybe eventually a welsh team again... No Beirut, no Moscow...