ᴀᴀʀᴏɴ ʙᴏᴡᴇʀ

Journalist @guardian_sport
Editor @loverugbyleague
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[ᴀᴀʀᴏɴ ʙᴏᴡᴇʀ @AaronBower]

Two weeks ago, I experienced wheelchair rugby league after being invited to @England_RL training as they prepare for @RLWC2021.

It was tough, physical and requires incredible skill. I left aching and sore: but in awe of the sport and its stars.

https://t.co/HRqgfim5qv

[ᴀᴀʀᴏɴ ʙᴏᴡᴇʀ @AaronBower]

For the record, London anticipated getting ~£150,000 distribution if they were in Championship in 2027. So it's choice between £150k in Champ or 0 in SL with increased commercial, bigger crowds, profile. Broncos owners believe they have big commercial deals ready to go if in SL.

[ᴀᴀʀᴏɴ ʙᴏᴡᴇʀ @AaronBower]

Exclusive: With an NRL partnership to be signed off for 2028 shortly, London Broncos have been told there is still a route into Super League for them in 2027 - but only if they take ZERO central distribution next year.

https://t.co/TSeubua7ii

[ᴀᴀʀᴏɴ ʙᴏᴡᴇʀ @AaronBower]

What if Tui Lolohea wins the World Cup? Is there a plan in place for that?

[ᴀᴀʀᴏɴ ʙᴏᴡᴇʀ @AaronBower]

Another late change to the declared team for England tomorrow. Zach Eckersley drops out altogether - and Mikey Lewis comes up onto the bench

https://t.co/nC5n4tUsMn

[ᴀᴀʀᴏɴ ʙᴏᴡᴇʀ @AaronBower]

Understand York Knights are in advanced talks with Brad Fash over a move to the club after his exit from Hull FC.

https://t.co/nEFiYdyaKC

[ᴀᴀʀᴏɴ ʙᴏᴡᴇʀ @AaronBower]

How long a ban do you want. Potentially career-ending behaviour

[S4C Chwaraeon 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 @S4Cchwaraeon]

CERDYN COCH 🟥

Cerdyn coch i Curtis Gregory am chwarae brwnt.

Ebbw Vale are down to 14 players for the rest of the game.

@llandoveryrfc @evrfc
💻 https://t.co/NKyREilISO

#SRC | @SuperRygbiCymru

[ᴀᴀʀᴏɴ ʙᴏᴡᴇʀ @AaronBower]

Brian McDermott very vocal on a few fronts this morning. Admits they probably had to beat Tonga to qualify, the format is 'harsh' but he mentioned long-term plans and his optimism for the future. A plan for England from those above him might be useful.

https://t.co/CZ5a0oO9on

[ᴀᴀʀᴏɴ ʙᴏᴡᴇʀ @AaronBower]

@WalesCrusaders I have asked that question of the 150 of the RFL incidentally already - as it seems a very precise number.

[ᴀᴀʀᴏɴ ʙᴏᴡᴇʀ @AaronBower]

Some more info on Crusaders-RFL. Told governing body were asked by clubs in strategic review to be more financially strict with new owners after demise of Halifax, Fev, Salford. RFL sticking to that and insist £150k escrow protects players/staff/club.

https://t.co/DgTIn4C8gh

[ᴀᴀʀᴏɴ ʙᴏᴡᴇʀ @AaronBower]

Watching this Harry Brook masterclass having dug him out during last winter's Ashes

[ᴀᴀʀᴏɴ ʙᴏᴡᴇʀ @AaronBower]

England have made a change to the team that will face France on Saturday. Matty Ashton comes in on the wing, Zach Eckersley down to the bench.

https://t.co/wF5cDQ1qrw

[ᴀᴀʀᴏɴ ʙᴏᴡᴇʀ @AaronBower]

@_ian_e_white @Forty20magazine I've heard the same rumours but I think a lot of that depends on London going into SL. I wouldn't be surprised if it happened if the Broncos were in SL as it gives them a good club to link up with and provide talent for. As you say, very well-run community club.

[ᴀᴀʀᴏɴ ʙᴏᴡᴇʀ @AaronBower]

@jdgsport Or 20 if London stay and Featherstone do come back..

[ᴀᴀʀᴏɴ ʙᴏᴡᴇʀ @AaronBower]

North Wales' owners say they've pulled out of the 2027 Championship and have been 'failed' by the RFL.

Governing body asked for £150,000 in an escrow, club complied, showed proof of funding ~£500k but still no licence given. So decision made to pull out.
https://t.co/sYJv7AEiTK

[ᴀᴀʀᴏɴ ʙᴏᴡᴇʀ @AaronBower]

@AlexJMarsh98 But then what if Welsby played 4 games and broke his leg, and Robertson played 3 and did his ACL - and they weren't included? Would we feel okay about that? It's every player mate, you can't start adding parameters, becomes too much up for debate!

[ᴀᴀʀᴏɴ ʙᴏᴡᴇʀ @AaronBower]

Over 300 English and French players featured in Super League and the NRL in 2026.

These are the academies that produced every single of them ranked - with Wigan, St Helens and Leeds responsible for almost half the total figure. Wigan alone have 53.

https://t.co/jGMbRFMD1J

[ᴀᴀʀᴏɴ ʙᴏᴡᴇʀ @AaronBower]

Wonder at what point the Duff man stops honouring the ghost of Grezza and goes to two up top. 2 of Jackson/Beesley/Humphrys and Phillips in the 10. Done #bcafc

[ᴀᴀʀᴏɴ ʙᴏᴡᴇʀ @AaronBower]

@anorthern_soul He didn't play. The piece is based off every player who played in Super League or NRL in 2026. If you widened it, you might as well do every single reserves/scholarship/academy player. There has to be a finite limit to make it black and white.