Love him or hate him, Leigh Centurions owner Derek Beaumont is full of opinions – and he’s not afraid to share them.
So, when asked on the Rugby League Review podcast about the issue of Toronto Wolfpack – who left Super League in 2020 never to return – as well as the credibility of having two French teams in Super League – Beaumont didn’t hold back.
“I never saw any value in having a team in Toronto in rugby league or Super League,” Beaumont said.
“I will go as far as saying I don’t see the value in France either and I may upset some people here.
“A strategic partner that comes into this sport looking at how they can drive it and make it worth more money, they will see zero value of having two teams in France.”
Beaumont went on to explain the problems of logistics and finances of having two teams from France in the top flight.
“You’ve got one sixth of central distribution going to France, there’s no TV deal or sponsorship.
“Betfred can’t show their logo out in France so our very own sponsor can’t be seen out there.
“They are bringing no fans over here to games so there is no secondary spend from fans but our fans are going over there instead of Wembley or Magic Weekend.
“We’re actually creating a force against us and taking money away out of our game to do that.
“Then you’ve got all the travel being paid for week in week out taking teams over there so I don’t see what it’s doing at all when you’ve got other clubs in this country.
“It should just be England.”
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eltel
March 30, 2022 at 10:17 am
cannot stand the man but his views on this one are spot on most of the super league owners are desperate for stupid expansion and it will never work it has been and will continue to be the death of rugby league and for certain it cannot possibly benefit the fans except people with money who can afford to travel abroad to watch a game of rugger.
Jay
March 30, 2022 at 10:54 am
I can’t see the point of a club in The Championship, signing players, left, right and centre, then when it comes to tough games, just turning to St Helens and Wigan for players, treating the players they have signed, with No Respect! The RFL have got it completely wrong, allowing this, I know one owner will not agree, if I was treated by a club in that way, I would tell them what to do! No Wonder Rugby Union attracts so many players and ex RL players!
Brian Dew
March 30, 2022 at 12:17 pm
He is spot on with is comment’s
Jim Smith
March 30, 2022 at 3:11 pm
You know, you really don’t have to publish every bit of stupidity that gushes out of Beaumont’s rectum…
Philip
March 30, 2022 at 6:12 pm
Fair play to the guy he spends a lot of his money at Leigh but where is the benefit of having a club so close to Wigan. The game has tried to stay in the north of England for over 100 years that is why we are in such state. You either expand or you contract and promoting small Northern Villages will kill the game.
How many away supporters do Leigh / Huddersfield take to grounds ?
At least Catalan get home crowds bigger than most traditional clubs with only a small away following.
A sey
March 31, 2022 at 1:02 pm
Restez entre vous dans le nord de l’angleterre et vous allez mourrir a peyit feu
Noel Bateman
March 31, 2022 at 6:59 pm
I couldn’t agree any more Derek. Not forgetting pollution. The French and Canadians should form their own leagues. All it does is take from the game and gives nothing back but pollution and added expense.
Mike b
April 6, 2024 at 10:17 pm
Absolutely agree with Derek Beaumont , we don’t need a French team in an English league . Time to get rid of them .