Adding the Extras #9 – Southern League launch, Widnes stadium debt and RFL app success

James Gordon

Southern Conference League
The new Southern Conference League is to be officially launched before London Broncos’ upcoming Super League game with Castleford. The tier four competition will include 14 teams from the South of England and South Wales and split in to two divisions. West Division: Gloucestershire All Golds, Cardiff Blue Dragons, Swindon St George, Torfaen Tigers, Valley Cougars. East Division: Bedford Tigers, Brixton Bulls, Eastern Rhinos, Hammersmith Hills Hoists, Hemel Stags, London Chargers, North Herts Crusaders, South London Silverbacks, Wests Warriors.

Widnes stadium debt
After Widnes chairman Steve O’Connor said that the club’s directors would relinquish their shares for free, as well as the departure of chief executive James Rule, there has been much speculation over the future of the club. Public takeover bids haven’t happened, and it has now been revealed that Widnes Sport Ltd owe Halton Borough Council, owners of the stadium, a figure in the region of £386k, which of course anyone taking over the club, even for free, would need to take on. There are some concerns the club may end up in administration. A council spokesperson said: “The Council is not in a position to contribute financially to any rescue and has not done so, however the Council does support the Club in their recent efforts to seek new ownership of the Club and a financial injection for the Club from any new owners would be welcomed by the Council.”

RFL app success

The OuRLeague app by the RFL continues to improve and has been nominated for a sports industry award. It broadcast its first live Championship game on Friday night as Sheffield Eagles beat Bradford Bulls.

More RL Hemel Stags

Related Articles