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Harrogate and Liverpool ‘rumoured locations’ for Ottawa Aces

Ottawa Aces have given an important update to their fans, which leaves their future in the balance and a new UK rugby league team potentially taking over.

The Canadian side had been touted to join League 1 of the UK system for the 2022 season, but that move was seemingly thrown into question with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and closed borders.

And, now it has been confirmed that there were will be no transatlantic side in the competition.

“Friends and supporters, as we continue to navigate COVID-19 and the considerable affect it has on all of our lives, we want to share an update on the Ottawa Aces. It is with heavy hearts we must announce our club will be forced to permanently relocate back to England, and a more stable operating environment. In the coming weeks, our new permanent location in England will be revealed. Due to this move, all season ticket membership deposits will be refunded.

“We launched our club’s move from Hemel Hempstead to Ottawa on March 9, 2020. A few days later, the pandemic began its spread within Canada. In essence, we have lived the entirety of our existence amid the pandemic. Last season, we were revving up to play our inaugural campaign, when we were forced to pull out due to the ongoing proliferation of the pandemic.

“Let it be known, a wide range of solutions have been explored, with a view to keeping this club in Ottawa. As well, numerous factors were considered. These factors included but were not limited to; consultation with both the governments of the United Kingdom, and Canada, and the projected ease and availability of travel options next year.

“Unfortunately, despite the extreme motivation, significant financial investment, and the heart and soul of our staff being poured into the task, it has proven to be a bridge too far.

“We would like to thank our sponsors, Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group, and most of all our fans in the Ottawa region for their steadfast support. We hope one day professional Rugby League can return to Canada, and specifically TD Place Stadium.”

Some have touted possible relocation places such as Harrogate and Liverpool, but it remains to be seen whether or not such a move would work.

Ottawa follow the Toronto Wolfpack in the seeming demise of Canadian rugby league in the UK, with the Wolfpack refused re-entry to Super League in November last year following their earlier withdrawal.

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