The man behind the launch of Toronto Wolfpack has revealed plans are already advanced for a second Canadian team to enter the Rugby Football League in two years’ time.
The Wolfpack, who have averaged crowds of more than 7,000 in their first season, won the League 1 title last Saturday and have generated significant interest as they prepare for the Championship next year.
Hamilton is understood to be a likely destination for the new venture and the Toronto chief executive, Eric Perez, said: “Within six months, the world will know about the next Canadian side coming in for 2019, so get ready.”
“I can’t say where yet but I will say it is the way to generate serious revenue in this market. Having one team is not enough. We want two, three, four and then five [North American] teams. Once you’ve done that, the revenue will begin to spill into the British game to help prop up clubs who are struggling.”
Perez also revealed his desire for a northern hemisphere league to be created within the next 10 years, allowing the best rugby league sides on both sides of the Atlantic to combine forces.
Perez raised eyebrows when, before the Wolfpack’s formation, he claimed they would reach Super League with stronger crowds than some top-flight sides in year one. A crowd of 7,972 watched them beat Barrow last Saturday to win the third-tier title but his sights are set much higher.
“It is not inconceivable that 10 years from now, Toronto Wolfpack could be drawing crowds in the region of 30,000,” said Perez, who added they will sell out their near 10,000-capacity Lamport Stadium at some point next season in the Championship.
A second Canadian team – Perez will help with the formation – may not be the only North American team on the horizon. Preliminary discussions are understood to have taken place regarding a franchise based in New York entering the British league structure though no timeframe has been set for their inclusion.
