28 replies to this topic

[jannerboyuk]

LE says the sonics are "registering interest in turning professional in 2014". Is this true?

[bowes]

The RFL have an ambition of a Championship/C1 side in every region of England and are expanding those leagues (though a team in the South East region is a very distant ambition barring a Harlequins move to Oxford or MK), so this would suit their plans no end. The Sonics are aiming to play in the Southern Conference next year I believe which will be officially one of the 2 leagues below the C1.

As to how they're planning to do it and player source not sure but I'm sure someone at the club can fill in

[jannerboyuk]

The RFL have an ambition of a Championship/C1 side in every region of England and are expanding those leagues (though a team in the South East region is a very distant ambition barring a Harlequins move to Oxford or MK), so this would suit their plans no end. The Sonics are aiming to play in the Southern Conference next year I believe which will be officially one of the 2 leagues below the C1.

As to how they're planning to do it and player source not sure but I'm sure someone at the club can fill in

I can see them doing a scorpions. Nice big open trial should reveal some decent players, certainly for champ 1 level, in the south west area.

[Northern Sol]

Fantastic if it happens, I'm only an hour from Bristol.

I look forward to the inevitable "Bristol for SL" campaign as well.

[jannerboyuk]

Fantastic if it happens, I'm only an hour from Bristol.

I look forward to the inevitable "Bristol for SL" campaign as well.

Apparently bristol city council are considering bidding for a rlwc 13 game as well. Nice.

[MidlandsRugbyLeague]

Lots of interest all over the country in both turning pro and rlwc

[bowes]

Lots of interest all over the country in both turning pro and rlwc

Maybe 2012 is the end of the world...

Seriously 2012 seems like it will be a good year, looking forward to it and hope it works

[BBR]

Love this to happen, some potential I suspect

[jannerboyuk]

Love this to happen, some potential I suspect

My ideal world is a semi pro presence in neath, bridgend, cardiff and bristol. Lovely derbies along the M4. Marvellous.

[MidlandsRugbyLeague]

The M42 Corridor will be the new M62!

[West Country Eagle]

It all ties in with the various plans the RFL are putting in place development wise. There's lots happening down here - some very quickly, others slowly - that we'll be able to shout about over the next 12 months.

We're definitely aiming high, but we're realistic. We know there's a lot of work still to do. This season our focus is on getting our new junior structure up and running (teams throughout the area, not just a 'Sonics' junior section), and running two open age teams in the RLC for the first time. Hopefully on the back of that we will be in good shape to keep moving up through the leagues on the back of solid foundations in Bristol and South Gloucestershire.

[Lee]

It all ties in with the various plans the RFL are putting in place development wise. There's lots happening down here - some very quickly, others slowly - that we'll be able to shout about over the next 12 months.

We're definitely aiming high, but we're realistic. We know there's a lot of work still to do. This season our focus is on getting our new junior structure up and running (teams throughout the area, not just a 'Sonics' junior section), and running two open age teams in the RLC for the first time. Hopefully on the back of that we will be in good shape to keep moving up through the leagues on the back of solid foundations in Bristol and South Gloucestershire.

Was talking to your u16's coaches dad at Siddal not so long back, very good things to say bout your junior set up mate

[BBR]

Interesting on the Sonics website a series of logos such as North West Eagles, East Bristol Storm.

Announcement promised soon?

[FAZ]

Yes - very soon - watch this space!

[Northern Sol]

Interesting on the Sonics website a series of logos such as North West Eagles, East Bristol Storm.

Announcement promised soon?

Presumably junior feeder clubs.

[BBR]

If that is the case, that is fantastic news.

The biggest problem in any area at junior level is not having anybody close by to play against.

Iff they have somehow gotten 5 or 6 local teams to play against, it will be a massive boost to the sport in Bristol.

[bowes]

Gloucestershire Warriors are running junior clubs at Gloucester and Cheltenham now.

[Impartial Observer]

They could go into Wales to play

[BBR]

Even better, but a trek over to Swansea or Neath for example takes time and cost. To have 5 fictures on your doorstep would be a massive boost

[Northern Sol]

IIRC there was some talk of a Wiltshire based junior team as well.