Clearly the RFL now recognise that the London "Dream" is dead. I feel sorry for the few dedicated fans of the club....expansion ...ha!



From BBC



The Rugby Football League has defended staging the London Broncos v Wigan Challenge Cup semi-final in Leigh.

Greg Mulholland MP, chairman of the Parliamentary Rugby League Group, said it was "unfair" to play next Saturday's game just eight miles from Wigan.

But the RFL said the Broncos had agreed to the possibility in June.

"The semi-final venues were chosen after consultation and agreement with the eight clubs involved in the quarter-finals," an RFL statement read.

"On 26 June, London Broncos confirmed they were 'fine' with the options."

“

Given the size of London's current fan base, Leigh Sports Village provides the best opportunity to maximise the financial return for the two clubs who share 100 per cent of the receipts generated

”

RFL statement

The other Challenge Cup semi-final between Hull KR and Warrington Wolves, on Sunday, will take place at Huddersfield's John Smith's Stadium, meaning Rovers will have to travel about 70 miles and Warrington roughly 40.

However, the Broncos journey to Leigh Sports Village in Greater Manchester will be more than 200 miles, 25 times further than opponents Wigan.

"We've heard a great deal from the RFL at our regular meetings about the importance placed on the development of the game," Mulholland said.

"Why not find a venue in the Midlands and use the game to draw in a new audience?"

The RFL insisted that a number of alternative venues had been considered.

"The final selections were based on various criteria, including availability, size and quality of facilities, associated match costs, commercial viability and the views of broadcast partners," the statement continued.

"London Broncos agreed with the options for all UK-based semi-finals and proposed that in the event of them being drawn against Catalan Dragons, their semi-final should be staged in London.

"Given the size of London's current fan base and their historical levels of travelling support, the view was taken that Leigh Sports Village provides the best opportunity to present a major televised sporting spectacle to attendees and TV viewers in the most positive light while maximising the financial return for the two competing clubs who share 100 per cent of the receipts generated."

I bet not many Faxers at the LSV on Wednesday ,all the part timers , Charlie will be there to welcome you .

yep, your crowd will be down by half, not playing it on a Sunday

That's what happens when you are a successful Trophy winning team

and we have taken OUR NRC Trophy home where it belongs THE LSV



.

A poor mans Nostradamus, his predictions came true.

Whats your prediction for Wednesday, will you be there or have you fallen out with LSV like Hunslet.

I don't think there was a Sunday available, the date was perhaps the only one convenient to both teams, unlike weekday matches at Sheffield who pick them just to inconvenience the visitors.