Derek Beaumont doesn’t see ‘any value’ in having Catalans Dragons and Toulouse Olympique in Super League
Betfred Super League Leigh Centurions v Salford Red Devils Derek Beaumont owner of Leigh Centurions poses for photographs with the home supporters after seeing his team win for the first time this season Leigh Leigh Sports Village Greater Manchester United, ManU Kingdom Copyright: xSimonxWhitehead/NewsxImagesxSimonxWhitehead/NewsxImagesx
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.”