Florida club wants to follow in Toronto’s footsteps

Exclusive: An American consortium wants to follow in the path of the Toronto Wolfpack and is seeking entry for a new club into English rugby league.

Love Rugby League understands that a US-based group is planning to launch a professional club in Florida that will play in League 1.

It is likely that the new team will be based in the city of Jacksonville.

That city has a strong rugby league background with the Jacksonville Axeman launched in 2006.

The Axeman are one of the most successful rugby league clubs in the US and currently play in the USARL Championship.

Love Rugby League understands this US-based group has started talks with the RFL on the steps it needs to take to enter a team in League 1.

It is believed the discussions are in the very early stages and any new club would be several years away.

However, this US-based group has contacted prospective players about their venture.

An RFL spokesperson told Love Rugby League: “The RFL has received interest from a number of clubs looking to enter the league structure over the past couple of years. As of today, there are no available places in the structure.”

The Toronto Wolfpack start their first season in League 1 this year. The Canadian club first applied to the RFL in 2014.