New York team sets sights on UK league

A NEW YORK team is set to join the Rugby Football League by 2020 with the aim of reaching Super League. Sportsmail understands a consortium was asked to submit a business plan to the RFL last month and the unveiling of the side is set to take place in October, before the Rugby League World Cup in Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. The new club, as yet unnamed, is set to be managed by former Bradford and St Helens coach Mick Potter and has already held discussions with the Mayor of New York’s office regarding potential stadiums. The move comes after the Toronto Wolfpack were admitted to the British leagues earlier this year. The Canadian side have started in League One — the third tier of professional rugby league — and are expected to seal promotion to the Championship next week. Toronto’s CEO Eric Perez is believed to be fronting the consortium leading the bid for a side from New York. The Wolfpack lodged a bond of around £300,000 with the RFL to help cover costs for the clubs flying to Canada to play them.