Exactly!



Now, we're accused of being only around the M62, the exceptions (in Super League) being Quins and Crusaders.



If you look at the Welsh sides and most of the Aviva Prem, almost every team is within a thirty minute drive of the M4 at most. The exceptions being the poorly-supported Northern teams, Exeter (who are still West Country), and Leicester and Northampton (who are the only major union teams in their area- Cov went bust). I make it 50% of Aviva Prem teams at that level along the M4- it would have been higher if Bristol had come up rather than Exeter.

Union is the Southern favourite, League the Northern. Always has been.



Unfortunately for us, Southern popularity is bigger than Northern popularity.

It's more than just popularity. Almost every town of any size in the south has a long-established rugby (union) club, so the game is built into the local community.

And the North.



Speaking of union in the North, only 5k at Newcastle last night.



[url=http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/rugby-league/brian-viner-league-finally-scores-a-moral-victory-over-union-in-the-ageold-battle-of-the-oval-ball-2076282.htmlLeague finally scores a moral victory over union in the age-old battle of the oval ball[/url

They are going to go bust very soon,along with a few other union clubs,can't wait.

What do you base that bold statement on?

None,just hoping that's all.

Perpignan union side USAP to play at the Camp Nou in March.

Watch them (and the French RU) show Catalans how to market a game in Barcelona.

There are more union clubs in the north of england than rugby league clubs.

Ask a Stockport County fan what they feel about Sale Sharks' effect on the community's local club!

Bull.



It is about exposure because of the London press. Doesn't make it "bigger".



And southern is soccer completely with a few toffs playing the rah rah.

Absolutely spot on

It took so long to draw out the rah rah love...



How embarrassing...

Agree entirely.



I do have a Southern friend who follows RL for the bizarre but understandable reason that he's a Wycombe Wanderers fan and thinks that Wasps stole his ground.

It must have been a swarm of the nasty critters. Or he's mad.

[url=http://www.magnersleague.com/news/6228.phpMassive blow for Welsh club Ospreys[/url

Sounds very murky.



The Magners League: proof positive that Scottish rugby union has died on its a***. Discuss.

The problem in Scotland is that union is still very parochial. Hawick, Melrose and the other teams still get decent enough crowds but Edinburgh, Glasgow and the now defunct Borders outfit struggle for fans as they have no sense of tradition or hetritage. That was the view of one of a Scottish friend who attended Heriots.

We talk about rugby league being confined to the north of England but Scottish union is very much a (south) Edinburgh game.

Oh yeah, "toffs" like those who recently did some jobs at my house: A cavity wall insulation installer from Reading and a roofer from just outside Bristol. I think you need to re-think your stereotypes.

That's quite a post considering your 'home' board.

Send In The Clowns: Flatcappers, whippet breeders, flat earthers need not apply (did I miss any out?)

I got stuck in Hawick once with work (it's a dump) and was told something fairly similar. I also remember someone telling me that the SRFU were mainly interested in trying to get Glasgow into rugby union, which is frankly never going to happen.

@ Catalancs in particular... www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2010/se ... gloucester Sounds like there's trouble even in their flagship league with one of their best-supported teams...

@ Catalancs in particular... www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2010/se ... gloucester Sounds like there's trouble even in their flagship league with one of their best-supported teams...

Quote Urmston Wire="Urmston Wire"@ Catalancs in particular... www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2010/se ... gloucester Sounds like there's trouble even in their flagship league with one of their best-supported teams...'" Up and under? Now where have I heard that before? A story like this comes out at least once a year. 9,994 is still a good crowd even if it is for one of the more notable and traditional clubs in one of the country's biggest sports. I'm more concerned with Leicester's start as I've backed them to win the end of year final. Saracens back to London? Interesting.

Quote Urmston Wire="Urmston Wire"@ Catalancs in particular... www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2010/se ... gloucester Sounds like there's trouble even in their flagship league with one of their best-supported teams...'" Up and under? Now where have I heard that before? A story like this comes out at least once a year. 9,994 is still a good crowd even if it is for one of the more notable and traditional clubs in one of the country's biggest sports. I'm more concerned with Leicester's start as I've backed them to win the end of year final. Saracens back to London? Interesting.

Catalancastrians?

Quote Urmston Wire="Urmston Wire"@ Catalancs in particular... www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2010/se ... gloucester Sounds like there's trouble even in their flagship league with one of their best-supported teams...'" Great news,now let's hope our farmer cousins can see what a load of 5h1te that union really is. If the crowds keep going down how are they going to survive(hopefully for not very long).

Quote Urmston Wire="Urmston Wire"@ Catalancs in particular... www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2010/se ... gloucester Sounds like there's trouble even in their flagship league with one of their best-supported teams...'" Great news,now let's hope our farmer cousins can see what a load of 5h1te that union really is. If the crowds keep going down how are they going to survive(hopefully for not very long).