RELOCATION, RELOCATION
DOUG THOMSON charts the clubs seeking alternative accommodation
GROUNDS for concern - or a chance to spread the Rugby League gospel?
Clubs playing occasional matches at alternative venues due to their usual home being unavailable has long been a feature of the game, especially in the lower divisions.
And it seems to have been commonplace of late, with London Broncos having just finished a two-date stint at Ebbsfleet United Football Club's Kuflink Stadium in Gravesend, Kent, North Wales Crusaders about to play in England for the fourth time this year and Toulouse Olympique having to temporarily vacate the Stade Ernest Wallon because of rugby union's forthcoming World Cup in France.
While the 19,000-capacity ground owned by reigning Top 14 champions Stade Toulousain isn't staging any matches during the tournament, which takes place in September and October, it will be used as a training base by Japan, whose pool opponents include England, who have Kevin Sinfield as defence coach, and Argentina, led by Michael Cheika, who guided Lebanon to the quarter-finals of last year's Rugby League World Cup.