APV1 says...

@ rico - I know perfectly well where there names originate from, having played for one of them in the past. But why not LS? And why would any of them want to play in an inferior league..?!

;-)

Posted 11:13 25th May 2012

jamesliveinhope says...

no-one talking about the "customer experience".

Just done a quick review of the London clubs who have left their spiritual homes to take advantage of football grounds.

Wasps are the biggest travellers of about 50 Miles although technically it could be argued that travelling distance for a fan is not the same as the spiritual, as the crow flies, distance of a location still (kind of) in London.

Sarries have only gone about 15 miles and Irish 35.

The London Welsh trip will be nearer 70 miles which in comparative context, means that Bath could utilise St Mary's in Southampton, or Dean Court in Bournemouth (not a bad thing from my point of view, but the reverse trip is the main reason for me giving up my season ticket).

Can you really see the whole fan base being prepared to up sticks and travel like that?

I feel for Championship sides but relocation on that sort of scale stops being about the fans and becomes about the money.

Incidentally http://www.copthall-application.co.uk/Barnet%20Copthall/Appendix%20E%20-%20PGB%20Criteriax.pdf provides the MSC if anyone is interested.

Posted 14:02 24th May 2012

rico says...

relax APV1 think your overreacting a little and missing the point from papachinzo who is entitled to his opinion and I have to agree with him it could be a possibility of expanding the Rabo by introducing two teams who would be two instantly competitive teams. And look at the histories of each club a little and you might realise the name means a little more than you seem to think...

Posted 11:57 24th May 2012

APV1 says...

@ papachinzo - what about London Scotish? Rediculous comment and a rediculous argument. Is is their name that makes you say that? So the Tigers should go and play in India; Wasps should buzz-off; Bath down the plug-hole (easy now, lawynd!); Falcons fly off and catch a rabbit; etc; etc; etc..?! What nonsense.

Has anyone else had the "pleasure" of The Shed? I appreciate that wearing a Bath shirt whilst supporting the "wrong" team may have added to the hostile atmosphere, but it's almost falling down around you. In fairness to the Cherry and White supporters, they were excellent, but compare Kingsholm to some other grounds, and I have to agree with melkdave. It will also give L Welsh (or the Pirates, or who-ever comes next) time and funding to improve their own facilities.

Posted 10:21 24th May 2012

Chancer says...

One rule for the incumbants and another for the aspirants, the credibility of the RFU takes another knock. I hope the appeal is won and leads to a real shake up in the RFU but I will not hold my breath.

Posted 07:47 24th May 2012

papachinzo says...

London Irish and London Welsh should be part of the Celtic League IMO, the fact that its of a higher standard with no relegation should be enough incentive for them to leave the AP. I don't think Pro12 fans would mind either...

Posted 00:01 24th May 2012