Report due on French clubs
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The three French clubs hoping for elevation to Super League next year will have a clearer idea by the end of this week about how their bids are faring. The three candidates – Toulouse, Villeneuve and Union Treiziste Catalan – were all watched in their weekend games by a four-man delegation from the Rugby League.
"We will be presenting our findings to a meeting of Super League clubs on Thursday and making a recommendation on the process that we should undertake," said the League's executive chairman, Richard Lewis.
In theory, the competition could include more than one club, who would become the first French representatives since the demise of Paris St Germain in 1997, but Lewis admits that outcome is unlikely.
"It's hard to believe that two clubs would succeed," he said. "The French concept has always been to pool their resources and make one club successful and viable."
Newly-promoted Huddersfield want to talk to the former Leeds and Great Britain prop, Darren Fleary. Fleary asked for his release from Headingley last week, despite being reinstated in their squad after initially being told that he was not part of the Rhinos' plans for the coming season.
The Giants have a place on their roster vacant following their decision to sack Rob Roberts for disciplinary reasons and they could be keen on a player of Fleary's vast experience. They have asked him to discuss the possibility of a deal with them. "The invitation is there and it is now up to Darren whether he takes us up on it," said the Huddersfield coach, Tony Smith.
St Helens and Sale have agreed the scoring system for their cross-code match at Knowsley Road on 27 January. The two clubs are to play 40 minutes of rugby league and 40 minutes of rugby union – the order to be decided by a toss of the coin on the night – but it was felt that union's higher tariff for tries, penalties and drop goals would give Sale an unfair advantage. Under the agreement, a try will be worth five points and any goal – conversion, penalty or drop – two.
Sale have confirmed that their two former league players, Jason Robinson and the ex-Saints forward, Apollo Perelini, will play in the match.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments