who had they played in the last six months

I think he may have been comparing this performance to their provincial competition, as they haven't played an international to my knowledge this year.

Canada certainly missed some key players - Louis Robinson, Danny Tupou and Stu McNicholas in particular.

A 50/50 record for the first proper season is a creditable performance and a lot to build on for next year. The question is what the plans for 2012 are going to be, from both the domestic and international angles.

I do know that they are lining up a lot of internationals, plus a domestic comp which will hopefully include teams in Ottawa & Montreal.

The Rugby League Show also got renewed for 4 years! Looks like more 4 more years of ing about with a microphone & a camera for me

How many clubs are there in Canada at the moment, and are any junior sides being set up?

Does this make you the Canadian television equivalent of Clare Balding?

Thats great news and good level of commitment to get a multi-year deal.

Haha. I doubt they'll ever let me near the mic to do live telly. That's got trouble written all over it

This year there was a round robin comp with 4 clubs in Southern Ontario(Toronto City Saints, York Region Reds, Scorborough Centurions & Niagara Bobcats - all linked their UK namesakes - I think Bobcats is linked to Keighly). They're hoping to add 2 teams (Ottawa & Montreal) for a proper league style competition next year. There has been talk about bringing League into some Toronto schools. Not sure where that is at the moment. Apparently they play touch rugby up to a certain age group before switching to Union anyway so it shouldn't be too much of a stretch to get them playing League instead.

There's work underway to set up a West Coast league but I don't know much about that right now. I haven't really heard anything about junior sides yet. The approach seems to be a top down one with focus on getting the National team and then the domestic comp as much publicity as possible to build up interest in the sport.

Good stuff. They seem to be making great strides to say they were only set up last year.

Very good idea setting up the links with clubs over here too, we may see an Alberta Airlie Birds pop up

Alberta Sharks

As an aside, I interviewed a family of 4 on Sunday who were at the game, all wearing their brand new Canada shirts with pride. It was their first ever game of rugby league and they were there because of the game that had been shown on national TV a few weekends earlier.

I also heard that the South Africans completely sold out of merchandise on Sunday. They now have nothing left to take to the WCQ.

Now thats brilliant news.

What kind of stuff were the Saffers selling spooky? Also, do you have any idea if the CRL have any intention of producing a DVD of this year's international highlights?

I didn't actually get the chance to look at their stuff but I think it was shirts & training tops. Not sure how much they actually brought with them, but there were quite a few local South Africans in the crowd. I guess they didn't really figure on that kind of demand at the Canada game.

I'll ask about the DVD. The CRL guys are on their way to Philly to cover the WCQs so I might not get an answer right away. But I should be meeting with them when they get back so I'll try to remember to raise it again then.

Thanks spooky.

Would love to get hold of a Saffers top. I have an early 90's Saffers top, but its getting a bit tight to wear, if you what mean



J

There's a bloke who lives across from the inlaws who has one, I always make him an offer on it when I see him. Even though you could probably fit two of me in it.

I'll make some enquiries... about where you can get a new one, not why your current one doesn't fit anymore

jeff's obviously an expansionist

Cheeky

All this stuffs great to hear; keep up the hard work guys, you're obviously progressing hence talk on a RL site mainly inhabited by Brits.

I saw your interview last week Spooks.. Great to hear that yorks accent on canadian tv. Im really loving all this RL coverage over here.. Shame we cant get any over here in Alberta..its all bloody kick and clap...keep the good work up and say hi to Rich Moore for me next time you see him / interview him !!

Thanks. Will do. How do you know Richie?

It's a shame that the show got messed up for the last 15/20 mins. Apparently there was an issue with the power when it got uploaded which messed up the video. Also, it was a different producer & commentator. Not up to the usual standard unfortunately. They're hoping to recut it and show it again at the end of the year.