WIGAN WARRIORS head coach Matt Peet believes Cape Town, South Africa could be a place to host a rugby league match in the future.
His side are in Paris to take on Catalans Dragons on Saturday, seven years after the two clubs made the trip to Barcelona to spread the 13-man code to lands further afield.
Wigan have also played in Las Vegas and Wollongong in the past decade and are planning to go to Dublin next year with Warrington Wolves – a trip which reportedly could also involve Hull FC and Wakefield Trinity.
Peet believes the occasion at Stade Jean Bouin will deliver on and off the field.
“I think it’s an exciting event, it’s great for Catalans to move this home game – it’s innovative,” Peet said.
“It gets rugby league on the map in the one of the greatest cities in the world.
“Our players are excited about it, it will bring media attention and some excitement from fans of both clubs.
“I’m also very confident that the game will deliver.”
Peet and his club are established backers of the Gallic game and he added: “My experience has always been good around Catalans and French rugby league.
“There is a genuine appetite for rugby league in that area of the world.
“And I think the way the club has been led, some of the superstars they’ve created and been able to entice from overseas, has been great.”
Asked where he would next like to see rugby league be played, Peet replied: “Cape Town in South Africa would be good. Thailand, or Barbados. There are plenty of places.
“Somewhere warm. We play in enough cold, wet towns and areas in the north of England so I think it should be somewhere a bit warmer!”