“We need the game to grow but will plus 700 mile round trips in the height of summer in holiday traffic be sustainable?” – how social media reacted to Cornwall RLFC being founded

Well, last night rugby league expanded onto the south-western tip of the United Kingdom.

Cornwall RLFC has been born, taking over from the Ottawa Aces whose Canadian adventure ended a month ago.

Simon Johnson, the RFL Chair, said:
“The RFL Board have approved the club’s request to relocate as it takes the Betfred League One competition, and the sport of Rugby League, into a new area, which shares many of the characteristics of the traditional Rugby League heartlands in the north, and has a renowned passion for rugby. This is an exciting opportunity to take our great sport to a completely new audience in a beautiful part of the country, and for our clubs and supporters to embrace that.”

But, just how did social media react?

One Bradford Bulls fan had a few choice words to say about it.

We don’t want you no buggar off another Perez scam

— Steve Riley (@ste_rugbyleague) November 2, 2021

Another also directed their anger at Eric Perez – the founder of Ottawa Aces and previously the Toronto Wolfpack.

Eric Perez, you shithouse sell out! I hope we’re getting our money back for the non existent Ottawa Aces founding memberships. You are a disgrace!

— Heather (@OvalBallsRule) November 2, 2021

Another supporter couldn’t hide their disappointment.

The most ridiculous thing I’ve heard since Toronto Wolfpack and that went well 🤦🏻‍♂️

— Jason Peterkin (@peterkinj) November 2, 2021

However, one fan couldn’t wait for the away trip to the south coast.

Legendary away trip!

— Christian Clarke (@its_christian_c) November 2, 2021

Another supporter was also more keen on this idea than the two previous Canadian projects.

As much as I like to see RL grow internationally, I'm more of a supporter of this than I ever was of Toronto.

— Matthew Berry (@GallanteerBerry) November 2, 2021

Someone pointed out that northern teams wouldn’t be happy about the travel.

The North will be livid at the travel.

— Dazzer (@DaZzerwolf) November 2, 2021

One supporter pointed to the distance between Cornwall and the bulk of the clubs.

We need the game to grow but will plus 700 mile round trips in the height of summer in holiday traffic be sustainable?

— Chris Worsley (@cwworsley) November 2, 2021

Another fan, however, was hoping that this concept would work.

I would absolutely love this to work https://t.co/WJtC9oXbul

— Adam Poole (@wolfpoo87) November 2, 2021

One supporter felt that the south west had been nearing such a move for a while.

This is fantastic news, both for the sport of #RugbyLeague and for #Cornwall. I’ve followed the fortunes and development of @CornishRebelsRL for some time now, and the people pushing the sport in the South West are so passionate about it, they really deserve this! 👏🏻👏🏻 https://t.co/ejVkiOddat

— Phil Seymour (@announcerphil) November 2, 2021

One person believed that another Midlands team would have been better.

Wouldn't a team in the midlands to partner @CoventryBears be a better option? Be interesting to see if a Cornish team can survive in #RugbyLeague https://t.co/hS1tIOkCwR

— Riley Somerville (@EastYorkSomer) November 2, 2021

Another fan couldn’t wait for the trip to Cornwall.

https://twitter.com/RebeccaWhiteley/status/1455616665027239943?s=20

One Cornwall resident is excited about the potential.

𝙆𝙚𝙧𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙗𝙮𝙨 𝙫𝙮𝙠𝙚𝙣

Who would of thought that after moving to Cornwall, from Dorset, I am no longer considered an RL exile?

On a serious note, what a brilliant opportunity to grow a brilliant game here in the Duchy. https://t.co/9iycHLuW5V

— Gareth Davies (@gareth_davies82) November 2, 2021

The Catalans and Toulouse media also had some positive words to say.

A warm welcome to a new addition to the Rugby League family… please ignore the little people with their little-thinking, they are a little annoying but it's no big thing.
❤💛 https://t.co/0D3m2WaLvO

— Catalan Media 🇨🇵 (@catalanmedia) November 2, 2021