ChristianB

I anticipate more news over coming days. Whatever views posters here might have had at the beginning, I can say with complete confidence that most will be happy with the end result come the 2022 kick off. Most of all, it is important to dispel any ideas that this team will be based somewhere other than Cornwall. It will, after all, feature a great many local players in the squad - as has been the pledge all along.

More news incoming, by the way.

Well, that seems to have been well received!

6pm announcement for Head Coach.

I'm going to go out on a limb and say you will have something tasty - an amuse bouche, shall we call it - to satiate your appetite very soon. Probably.

I completely understand why there may be impatience in some quarters. But, seriously, just hold on for details soon (I simply do not know when that will be, less so even allude to who or what.)

It would not much matter if I were a dental technician, plumbing apprentice, or CEO of a FTSE100 company. And I am none of those. But I do know that by March 2022 there will be a Cornwall RLFC team taking to the field for their first match against North Wales. That same team will get better and better as the season progresses.

You may! I have worked with some of those behind the club on another Rugby League-related project in Cornwall. I can attest to their determination to make this succeed, and confirm that it is in very safe hands. Whatever little snippets of up-to-date information I have is not for me to report. There is, as I understand it, a lot of dotting i's and crossing t's going on, and it is only right that those doing the dotting and crossing spread the news when ready. My personal involvement has nothing to do with the administration of Cornwall RLFC (it is 'passionate and peripheral', for want of better terms!)

A few negative comments of late, so worth addressing to the best of my (limited) ability. First, detractors should not labour under the illusion that those behind Cornwall RLFC are doing anything other than working every available hour to make the club a success. That loud pronouncements have yet to be made - here or via any other means - should not be taken as evidence of inactivity. Nothing could be further from the truth. Second, basing a team in Cornwall brings unique challenges but also unique benefits. This, of course, extends to player recruitment. Notwithstanding the experience offered by the Cornish Rebels over recent years, it goes without saying that few local players have played Rugby League at the level which will be demanded of them. However, that lack of exposure is offset by the wealth of South West talent available for Cornwall RLFC to draw upon. There is no doubt that each new player will develop and improve with every game. I think many here will be pleasantly surprised come the start of the 2022 season.

O ye of little faith.

As part of the Cornwall RL survey some time ago (which TotalRL members were encouraged to complete and a great many did), various options for preferred days-of-week and afternoon/evening were offered for opinion. This important question was also asked in a separate survey for Cornwall residents. I am confident that the findings will inform the organisers to the benefit of all.

One example is https://www.saintsrlfc.com/2021/06/29/cornish-rebels-field-first-ever-womens-team/ A fledgling amateur ladies team who, incidentally, travelled by coach to play in Bristol and Cardiff a couple of weeks apart. Both there and back in a day.

I don't think anyone is under any illusion that there are challenges. But there are also so many positives in the medium to long that the balance lies in its favour.

I understand your concern given that, for you and many others, the concept of a League One club in Cornwall is 48 hours old. However, those involved have been working to the hope of a green light for considerably longer.

Just to address the broad matter of 'playing squad' which has been mentioned in several posts. With regards to attracting established players, the lifestyle opportunities available in Cornwall will undoubtedly appeal to a great many. Not all, of course, but I am sure plenty would be drawn toward the sea and surf nature of the far South West. And, as a dad myself, I can attest to it being a great place for young families. However, as has been stated, the intention is to draw upon local talent as much as possible. I have seen some allude to it being a possible option for those not quite able/good enough to get on a player pathway for the Exeter Chiefs or Cornish Pirates RU. But this is a very glass-half-empty and defeatist stance. Rather, Cornwall RLFC will be there for those who are naturally suited to League and would only wither on the vine otherwise. Over recent years I have watched my son play junior Rugby all over the county - from Launceston to St. Ives, Newquay to Fowey. One thing that has struck me is how many youngsters would flourish in League more than Union, and the club will undoubtedly offer them a meaningful outlet in due course. So very many would, if playing junior Rugby League in Hunslet, Hull, Wigan or Warrington, already be on the radar of professional clubs. With this pathway now available, don't be at all surprised if within a decade there are several Cornish-born players at the highest level of the sport.

Wes?

Joking aside, Polson Bridge, the home of Launceston RFC on the Cornwall Devon border, is one of the most delightfully-situated rugby grounds I know. Right on the banks of the River Tamar.

I can tell you now that the expanse of grass behind Pendennis Castle is agonisingly short of a Rugby League pitch.

For those who have never been, this is Falmouth and Penryn. Not a bad place to launch a Rugby League team, but I am biased.

In pursuit of a little balance, herewith some optimism: First, Cornwall punches far above its demographic weight when it comes to producing rugby players and athletes. A good example of this is the Bill Beaumont RU County Championship which, over recent years, has been dominated by four sides: three Rugby League heartland counties (Yorkshire, Cheshire, and Lancashire) and Cornwall. So, looking ahead to the future, Cornwall is somewhat likely to become a net exporter of Rugby League players. Also note that its population is in excess of 560,000 - more than St. Helens, Wigan, and Widnes combined. Second, the game we all love has just embedded itself as far south and as far west as it is possible in mainland Britain. Celebrate it. Third, those travelling to follow their teams will be sure to receive a great welcome at The Memorial Ground in Penryn for the club's first season. My son has played for Penryn RFC juniors, and I cannot speak highly enough of those involved with the oldest Rugby club in Cornwall. What is more, it is just minutes away from some of the most beautiful scenery you will find in the country.

My gut feeling is that both governing bodies will change tack after further reassurances. I certainly hope so.