Super League calls for bids for 2002/03 championship games

The US Rugby Super League is calling for bids from all interested clubs to host its Super Matches in both 2002 and 2003.

Super Matches are the League's Championship games and are the climax of an RSL season.

Since its inaugural year in 1997, the Super League has awarded its Super Matches to different cities across the country. To date these high profile games have been staged in San Francisco, Boston, Denver, San Diego and most recently in Rockford, Illinois this past June.

Clubs have until mid-October to express an interest by contacting the League's executive committee headed by chairman Keith Engelbrecht. Specific criteria including facilities, proximity to national and/or international airports and sponsorship opportunities will be spelled out in final bid packages to be forwarded to respondent clubs.

Mr Engelbrecht said the RSL hoped to announce the successful bids by the end of this year, "It's a great opportunity for rugby clubs all over America to put their hand up for the chance to showcase their facilities and organizational abilities on both the national and international scene.

"We are asking that all interested parties contact us as soon as possible so that we can get the selection process underway sooner rather than later. We've had some spectacular successes in the past and we see no reason why we can't at least replicate or even eclipse those successes in the future."

Mr Engelbrecht added that it was imperative for clubs to start work on their proposals as soon as they could in order to make their strongest possible cases.

The League is also considering expanding the Super Match concept by scheduling other events and activities around the end-of-season game.

The notion most favored is that of highlighting the sport as much as the Championship game itself by billing the day more as a rugby festival. Possible additional activities could include a match between a Super League Select side and an overseas touring team, an all-star game, or a sevens or tens tournament.

Interested clubs are asked to submit their expressions of interest by October 15, 2001. In the first instance they should contact Keith Engelbrecht at keias@ix.netcom.com or by phoning (972) 503-6100.