Toronto Wolfpack earn an extension to prove their Super League worth

TORONTO WOLFPACK have been given another four weeks to argue their case for a Super League place in 2021 - during which time the competition will look to study further the viability of rugby league in North America.
By Dave Craven
Published 25th Sep 2020, 15:50 BST
Updated 25th Sep 2020, 15:53 BST
Toronto’s Joe Mellor in action against Huddersfield Giants in the Challenge Cup in March - their only win this term. (SWPIX)Toronto’s Joe Mellor in action against Huddersfield Giants in the Challenge Cup in March - their only win this term. (SWPIX)
Toronto’s Joe Mellor in action against Huddersfield Giants in the Challenge Cup in March - their only win this term. (SWPIX)

The Canadian club pulled out of the competition in July citing financial and visa issues brought on by the coronavirus.

It emerged their owner David Argyle had not paid players for months and their debut season in Super League ended in embarrassment.

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However, a prospective new owner Carlo Livolsi has vowed to honour those contracts if the Wolfpack are allowed to be readmitted into the top flight next season.

The other 11 clubs met this morning to discuss whether or not to welcome them back in but a decision has been deferred.

A Super League statement read: “The Super League Board has given the prospective new owner of Toronto Wolfpack, Carlo Livolsi, a further opportunity to provide detail about his investment plans for the club.

A 4-week timescale has been allowed.

“This is an important next step in the ongoing, rigorous efforts that have gone into ensuring the viability and financial sustainability of Toronto Wolfpack before the Board decides whether to readmit the club to the competition in 2021.

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“Whilst that process is taking place, the Board has agreed to take the opportunity, with the help of independent experts and the RFL Chair supporting the Executive Chairman of Super League Europe Ltd., to review the analysis carried out by the Governing Body originally in respect of the viability of rugby league in Canada and North America.

“The group is tasked with updating this historical analysis and will consider Toronto Wolfpack experiences, the recent other club admissions from North America and the impact of Covid-19.”

Ottawa Aces are due to start in League 1 next season, just as Toronto did when they began life in 2017.

Super League executive chairman Robert Elstone commented: “From the outset, the Super League Board have said consistently that it will provide Toronto Wolfpack with every chance to present the best possible case for a place in the competition next season.

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“That process has to be thorough, fair and equitable and today’s decision is a further demonstration of our commitment to ensuring that.

“There were many areas of Wolfpack’s submission to date that required greater clarity and our Clubs felt it was important to hear from Mr LiVolsi himself before making an informed, objective decision on the club’s future involvement.

“They also believed it to be important that an objective re-assessment should be completed of the value and viability of the growth of rugby league into the North American Market to help advise the Board decision on Toronto.”

Mr Livolsi has been invited to address the Board formally late next month with the final Toronto Wolfpack proposal.

Related topics:Super League

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