Dave Woods is joined by Eric Perez, the founder and chairman of Cornwall RLFC, the newest club in the professional pyramid, who make their League 1 debut this Saturday against North Wales Crusaders in Colwyn Bay. Perez, the brains behind the birth of the Toronto Wolfpack, discusses how this new team were formed as well as his hopes and aspirations for both them and the game of rugby league in Cornwall. Plus, with less than 200 days to the start of the World Cup, chief executive Jon Dutton provides an update on where the tournament is at, how ticket sales are going and whether the Aussies have bought in this time.

TOPICS:

02:05 – Perez explains how and why Hemel Hempstead became Ottowa Aces and then, due to Covid, became Cornwall RLFC, which is he calls ‘an untouched gem’.

07:10 – The lessons learned from starting Toronto Wolfpack and how he’ll utilise them again in Cornwall.

13:10 – There have been objections from some of the local rugby union sides, but they’re doing it for Cornwall.

14:20 - The goal is to make Cornwall the best rugby league side in the world.

17:15 – Perez still thinks there is potential for rugby league to be successful in Canada.

19:25 – Cornwall is very similar to the rugby league heartlands with its working class heritage and is therefore ‘made for rugby league’ and will become a rugby league powerhouse.

22:00 – Progress will be slower than it was with Toronto, with promotion to the Championship in three or four years realistic.

28:00 – The level of talent in Cornwall is so immense and untapped and local rugby union players can thrive in rugby league.

31:20 – Jon Dutton’s update on the Rugby League World Cup.

35:00 – Where ticket sales are at for the big games of the tournament- St James’ Park, Emirates Stadium and Old Trafford.

37:30 – Dutton discusses the tournaments legacy and how £20 million has already been spent so far within the rugby league community clubs, on facilities and equipment including new wheelchairs.

40:45 – The 12-month delay because of Covid has actually helped the tournament.