We could be going to France anyway...

[King Viking]

Super League or not, we could be off to France in 2009.

The RFL have been talking to the French Federation about setting up a European Cup competition between 4 NL1 sides and 4 sides from the French Elite 1 Division, perhaps to soften the blow for say Fax, Leigh, Widnes and Whitehaven (ala those who dont get a franchise).

Seems to me like a desperate attempt to replicate the far superior Heineken Cup played by the kick and chase lot.

[DJones]

Super League or not, we could be off to France in 2009.

The RFL have been talking to the French Federation about setting up a European Cup competition between 4 NL1 sides and 4 sides from the French Elite 1 Division, perhaps to soften the blow for say Fax, Leigh, Widnes and Whitehaven (ala those who dont get a franchise).

Seems to me like a desperate attempt to replicate the far superior Heineken Cup played by the kick and chase lot.

What sort of level are the "French Elite 1 Division", National league level? North West Counties Level?

[King Viking]

French Elite 1 is the top league in France, and is at a similar level to your average NL1 team.

[RB]

What sort of level are the "French Elite 1 Division", National league level? North West Counties Level?

Well Tolouse managed to beat us when we were in SL and get to the Challenge Cup Semi-Final.
So not too bad really.

[vikings 4 ever]

French Elite 1 is the top league in France, and is at a similar level to your average NL1 team.

Probably a bit weaker now than a few years ago because Catalans get 1st choice on all the decent players now.

This comp sounds a bit like a sweetner to appease the French as they want another SL place which they are not going to get.

[gary]

As long as they do it like that World Club Championship thing years ago and have all the France-based games played over, say a two-week period in August so we can all have a holiday and tour the South of France watching Widnes. Now there's a holiday!!

[Brynhild]

Well Tolouse managed to beat us when we were in SL and get to the Challenge Cup Semi-Final.
So not too bad really.

I don't think we were even at NL3 stage at that point

[LeedsViking]

Super League or not, we could be off to France in 2009.

The RFL have been talking to the French Federation about setting up a European Cup competition between 4 NL1 sides and 4 sides from the French Elite 1 Division, perhaps to soften the blow for say Fax, Leigh, Widnes and Whitehaven (ala those who dont get a franchise).

Seems to me like a desperate attempt to replicate the far superior Heineken Cup played by the kick and chase lot.

I guess the winners could call themselves 'European Champions'... 

[Glynn]

As long as they do it like that World Club Championship thing years ago and have all the France-based games played over, say a two-week period in August so we can all have a holiday and tour the South of France watching Widnes. Now there's a holiday!!

id prefer a holiday going to wigan , warrington and saints myself next year.

[cheadleviking]

French Elite 1 is the top league in France, and is at a similar level to your average NL1 team.

average level with or without us, salford and batley