Toronto Wolfpack’s application to re-join Super League may have been turned down but it’s not dampened the enthusiasm for rugby league in Canada.
Ottawa Aces still have high hopes of picking up the baton from the Wolfpack, who themselves are promising to bounce back stronger with lesson learned.
Now both clubs could be boosted by the news of a new grassroots competition in Canada which may eventually breed the next generation of players.
Organisers hope the Canada Co-Operative Championship Rugby league (CCCRL) is on the way, with long term plans to field a 12-team competition in the men’s and women’s game.
Starting with a six-team competition in 2023 playing rugby league nines to make it an easier introduction for new fans, there are hopes to expand and double to 12 teams across Canada.
The championship is the brain child of Chris Coates, coach of Yorkshire Men’s League side, Sheffield Forgers.
“I believe that the game really should be for everybody,” he told Canadian press The Star.
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“And I find it perplexing that so many people love the game but don’t want to see it grow outside its (northern England) heartlands.”
"The league has already had support from Canadian Rugby League Association, who will not be involved financially in the plans to establish the league, but are keen to work with Coates and his team.
“ What’s exciting from our point of view is that the initiative is based on the development of grassroots rugby league,” said CRLA president Bob Jowett. “We certainly wish them al the best with it and are supportive of the initiative.”