London v. Toulouse

[miguel de cervantes]

Really, which would help league more, a team in London or Toulouse?

Because at the moment they are on about an even keel as far as popularity goes and I reckon a team in Toulouse would be much more welcome that London and potentially have a larger impact on league in Europe than London firing on all cylinders ever could.

I say ditch relagate London, bring in Toulouse!

 

[greg]

Totally agree. London is a dead horse being flogged. A 2nd team in France is the way to go, won't be easy but well worth it for the benefit of the game.

 

[Evil Homer]

The only benefit from London at the moment is that it provides a pathway for youngsters from the South to reach Super League that probably wouldn't be there otherwise. And they do provide a lot of players. Other than that, the club is a joke and Toulouse would be a far better option. They aren't mutually exclusive though, there's no reason both can't be involved if operated properly, and TO would need at least a year's notice in order to prepare. I'd like to see the RFL announce this year that TO will be involved in 2015.

 

[Foreign Legion]

why can't the RFL take control of the club and help them develop a stadium

 

[Albert Rosenfeld]

Toulouse will be admitted to Super League in 2015. The RFL's Directors Ralph Rimmer and Blake Solly were in Toulouse and Perpignan last week and made statements about the virtues of having Toulouse in Super League.

Castleford, not London, will be relegated, because Castleford's stadium is below Super League standards, and they have been warned about that for more than 6 years.

If David Hughes keeps funding London, then it will continue in Super League. It is necessary to have a foothold in the capital of the UK, to support and sustain all the development of young players and clubs that have been established in the south of England.

The long term idea is to have more southern clubs in Super League, not less. That is why they have admitted Hemel Hemstead, Oxford, University of Gloucetershire (and next year Coventry Bears) to Championship One.

 

[deal.with.it]

Albert, i hope youre right. London must stay. They just need to get rid of the ordinary aussies, sign a marquee player and start winning. Crowds of 5k should be the goal.

 

[Dogs Of War]

Albert, i hope youre right. London must stay. They just need to get rid of the ordinary aussies, sign a marquee player and start winning. Crowds of 5k should be the goal.

Should have free entry for juniors. It would help with aligning London supporters of the game with the club.

 

[parraparraparra]

Have london or forget it. Where is Toulouse?

 

[cleary89]

Wynny will be cut hes coming home at the time tolouse are looking to feature in the esl.

I agree should be another french team.

I live in london and hear nothing about the broncos. Id love a go at the footy but never k ow where and when.

 

[Paullyboy]

The London Broncos need to take a lesson from the LA galaxy/AFL and go all out for one genuine superstar that is known by everyone in London and that will get the interest of the media.

The problem is, who? No current ESL or NRL players have the profile in the south so they'll have to take a leaf out of AFL and go for another code. A fading light from soccer who no longer seeks top dollar but is willing to be a media whore may be the answer.

 

[cleary89]

What about some union merkin? Wilkinson?

 

[RedVee]

The London Broncos need to take a lesson from the LA galaxy/AFL and go all out for one genuine superstar that is known by everyone in London and that will get the interest of the media.

The problem is, who? No current ESL or NRL players have the profile in the south so they'll have to take a leaf out of AFL and go for another code. A fading light from soccer who no longer seeks top dollar but is willing to be a media whore may be the answer.

SBW ?

Have london or forget it. Where is Toulouse?

Google says 'Sud de la France'.
N/W of Perpignan.

 

[Paullyboy]

SBW was my first thought but I don't think he has profile in London. I don't even think a union person would be enough, most media people probably would think he's still playing union.

I reckon they'd need to go really, really left field and get a soccer person.

 

[RedVee]

Toulouse will be admitted to Super League in 2015. The RFL's Directors Ralph Rimmer and Blake Solly were in Toulouse and Perpignan last week and made statements about the virtues of having Toulouse in Super League.

Castleford, not London, will be relegated, because Castleford's stadium is below Super League standards, and they have been warned about that for more than 6 years.

If David Hughes keeps funding London, then it will continue in Super League. It is necessary to have a foothold in the capital of the UK, to support and sustain all the development of young players and clubs that have been established in the south of England.

The long term idea is to have more southern clubs in Super League, not less. That is why they have admitted Hemel Hemstead, Oxford, University of Gloucetershire (and next year Coventry Bears) to Championship One.

Does Castleford making way for Toulouse work for the structure of ESL? I'm assuming cries to reduce teams in the 'Heartland' are as well received as the same calls to reduce Sydney teams.

 

[deal.with.it]

I think Toulouse would be great. Castleford have been ordinary this year, haven't been in the top flight for too long since their promotion (2008?), and their stadium is shocking.
However, if Toulouse joins Super League, what does this mean for the proposed French Super 13 (or whatever it's called)? I genuinely thought if it got up and running, then Catalan would revert back, and Toulouse would stay put.

Contrarily, I don't think it would be that bad for France RL and the national team to have two pro teams in the Super League, with 20 semi-pro teams in France, with a few acting as feeder clubs ala NSW and QLD cup/ English Championships.

I think working to RL's current strengths, rather than jumping straight into a massive financial burden, the best case scenario for International rugby league would be:
wait for about 3-5 years for a Wales team to be promoted to Championship and apply for super league license/be promoted (whichever system is in place in 5 years time), have another France team in Super League, and have concessions for Ireland and Scotland developed players in Super League. Both Ireland and Scotland are a long way off having a Super League side.
Rather than follow Union's method of having pro comps in each country, this could boost international RL, but just requires 5 years of solid development, and being patient, rather than fans calling for instant results.

 

[BODISGOD]

SBW was my first thought but I don't think he has profile in London. I don't even think a union person would be enough, most media people probably would think he's still playing union.

I reckon they'd need to go really, really left field and get a soccer person.

Beckham is on another planet in comparison to other footballers who in turn are on another planet in comparison to other sportsmen, particularly in London.

Much rather the Broncos just try and get their shit together on the field and be competitive at the business end. SBW would get some attention but we all know he is the wrong long term option for any club. Better to spread money on a complete squad.

 

[WireMan]

Does Castleford making way for Toulouse work for the structure of ESL? I'm assuming cries to reduce teams in the 'Heartland' are as well received as the same calls to reduce Sydney teams.

Just sit back and wait for Cas or Hull KR to fall over. One (or both) are about to.

Toulouse can replace them.

I would of thought there would be more noise about a Bristol team. They have a few games for the World cup after all.

 

[RedVee]

I'd like to see the Bristols cheer girls.

 

[miguel de cervantes]

Just sit back and wait for Cas or Hull KR to fall over. One (or both) are about to.

Toulouse can replace them.

I would of thought there would be more noise about a Bristol team. They have a few games for the World cup after all.

Bristol are not in the same league (excuse the pun) as Toulouse. Toulouse already have a decent setup, a long history, are in a major city and are perfectly placed for are good coverage of the southwest of France. The benefits for France would be immense.

 

[deal.with.it]

You've sold me Miguel