Quote ="Jim Pooley"It's not just expansion clubs that have gone belly up in the last 20 years, but I agree about the centrally funded model for any new ventures outside the heartlands.
PSG, Crusaders and London are the main casualties of incorrect attempts at expansion, but plenty of other clubs have gone to the wall or near it trying to either stay in or get to the top tier. Of the first 12 sides in SL, PSG are the only one that has vanished, whilst Oldham are the only one outside the top 24, so stories of the demise of the game may be slightly exaggerated.
As for another French outfit in SL? The game doesn't have the cash to cover travel costs to France for Championship or Championship 1 clubs if you drop one in there, so a straight drop into SL would seem the most viable way forward. This can't happen under the current 888 scenario, so unless someone goes "pop" or they scrap 888 for 1/1 I suspect Toulouse will stay in elite 13 for now.'"
You're right.
The new structure completely stuffs any one coming in, unless they are given protection in the top flight and an additional club throws the fixture programme into disarray.
Personally, I quite like the idea of an additional French club in SL and if this could help secure some additional TV cash, then go for it.
Of course this would mean having a 50/50 French/Aussie club BUT, for the long term growth of the game, it remains a good option.
