Rating the 20 largest golf equipment in British rugby league
British Rugby League is blessed with a number of the oldest, most prestigious and largest golf equipment on the planet. As the house of rugby league, loads of sides have a historical past laden with success. In the meantime, many groups have particular connections to the soul of the game in addition to the individuals of their areas boasting excellent fan-bases and atmospheres. We’re lucky to have so many particular golf equipment so let’s rank the 20 largest in British Rugby League.
We’re going to be utilizing a points-based system for this. 6 factors can be awarded for each Championship the membership has received, 5 for each Problem Cup, 3 for each World Membership Problem triumph, 2 for each Tremendous League Leaders’ Defend and a degree every for each different main honour secured within the membership’s previous. As much as 4 factors will be awarded per fan-base based mostly on attendances and environment. In the meantime, half a degree can be given out for each season (together with 2023) the staff has performed within the Tremendous League.
20. Workington City – Championships: 1, Problem Cups: 1, World Membership Challenges: 0, League Leaders’ Shields: 0, Different Honours: 1, Tremendous League Seasons: 1/26, Fan Base: 1/4. Factors: 13.5
Workington performed within the very first Tremendous League marketing campaign again in 1996 however following their relegation, they haven’t been again since. Nevertheless, the membership does have a Championship profitable pedigree having received the title again in 1951 earlier than including the Problem Cup a 12 months later. The 50s have been most positively their best interval. That stated, they did win the Lancashire Cup in 1978. Nevertheless, today the membership doesn’t have a lot of a fan base now taking part in in League 1.
19. Dewsbury Rams – Championships: 1, Problem Cups: 2, World Membership Challenges: 0, League Leaders’ Shields: 0, Different Honours: 4, Tremendous League Seasons: 0/28, Fan Base: 1/4. Factors: 21
Guided by Mike ‘Stevo’ Stephenson – who would later go onto turn out to be one of the well-known rugby league commentators on the planet – Dewsbury beat West Yorkshire rivals Leeds within the 1973 Championship Ultimate. That was pretty much as good because it received for the Rams having already received two Problem Cups. They then dripped down the leagues however did go the season unbeaten in League 1 again in 2009 and have since been secure within the Championship.
18. Featherstone Rovers – Championships: 1, Problem Cups: 3, World Membership Challenges: 0, League Leaders’ Shields: 0, Different Honours: 3, Tremendous League Seasons: 0/28, Fan Base: 1/4. Factors: 25
The 119-year-old membership loved most of its success between 1967 and 1983. Throughout that interval, the Rovers received three Problem Cups and one Championship. Their ultimate Problem Cup success got here as they beat present holders and heavy favourites Hull. Regardless of all the time pushing for a Tremendous League place, the Rovers have sadly by no means performed in Tremendous League however have featured within the Center 8s again within the previous Tremendous 8s format. They have been one of many candidates for Toronto’s emptiness however misplaced that place to Leigh.
17. Batley Bulldogs – Championships: 1, Problem Cups: 3, World Membership Challenges: 0, League Leaders’ Shields: 0, Different Honours: 3, Tremendous League Seasons: 0/28, Fan Base: 1/4. Factors: 25
Like Featherstone, the closest Batley have come to Tremendous League have been the Center 8s. The Championship membership nevertheless have a wealthy historical past. They received the very first Problem Cup again in 1897 at Headingley and would even retain it a 12 months late. In 1901, they added a 3rd and likewise received the Championship in 1924. No main honours have been received since however Batley stay intertwined with the historical past of the Problem Cup and subsequently British Rugby League.
16. Leigh Centurions – Championships: 2, Problem Cups: 2, World Membership Challenges: 0, League Leaders’ Shields: 0, Different Honours: 9, Tremendous League Seasons: 4/28, Fan Base: 2/4. Factors: 35
Tremendous League’s latest membership have by no means lasted longer than a single season within the prime flight through the Summer season Period. They’ll be hoping that adjustments in 2023. Leigh have had well-known days of their historical past profitable the Championship again in 1982 after solely simply returning to the highest flight. However much more well-known than that was their upset victory over Leeds within the 1971 Problem Cup Ultimate.
15. Castleford Tigers – Championships: 0, Problem Cups: 4, World Membership Challenges: 0, League Leaders’ Shields: 1, Different Honours: 14, Tremendous League Seasons: 26/28, Fan Base: 3/4. Factors: 52
Remarkably, Castleford has by no means received the Championship. The closest they got here was again in 2017 when Grand Ultimate defeat dampened a marketing campaign that noticed them end prime. The Tigers have received their fair proportion of trophies nevertheless together with 4 Problem Cups and 5 Yorkshire Cups. They’ve solely missed two seasons of Tremendous League (2005 and 2007) and have one of the vocal fan bases within the nation with the Jungle usually rocking.
14. Oldham – Championships: 4, Problem Cups: 3, World Membership Challenges: 0, League Leaders’ Shields: 0, Different Honours: 16, Tremendous League Seasons: 2/28, Fan Base: 1/4. Factors: 57
On the opposite finish of the spectrum to Castleford, Oldham have a way more restricted fan base today. After collaborating within the first two Tremendous League seasons, the Oldham membership haven’t been again since and their standing has pale a contact. Nevertheless, they nonetheless have a wealthy historical past profitable 4 Championships, the final of which got here in 1957, and three Problem Cups. In addition they boast 9 Lancashire Cups profitable three in a row from 1957-59.
13. Hull KR – Championships: 5, Problem Cups: 1, World Membership Challenges: 0, League Leaders’ Shields: 0, Different Honours: 13, Tremendous League Seasons: 16/28, Fan Base: 2/4. Factors: 58
It took Hull KR till 2007 to make their method into the Tremendous League. They’ve solely missed one season since and are actually a membership sufficiently big for the top-flight. Again within the late 70s and early 80s, Rovers have been one of many best groups within the nation and arguably ought to’ve received extra. They claimed three Championships in 7 years a interval which additionally noticed them declare their one and solely Problem Cup in opposition to rivals Hull FC.
12. Swinton Lions – Championships: 6, Problem Cups: 3, World Membership Challenges: 0, League Leaders’ Shields: 0, Different Honours: 10, Tremendous League Seasons: 0/28, Fan Base: 1/4. Factors: 62
Swinton have struggled in latest seasons having by no means performed in Tremendous League. They don’t have the fan base nor stature their historical past warrants. They have been the dominant facet within the late 20s and early 30s profitable the majority of their Championships on this period. That stated, they’d declare a pair of back-to-back titles within the 60s all of which supplies them an enormous pedigree as considered one of Britain’s most profitable sides. Nevertheless, their lack of recent success and subsequently diminishing fan base retains them decrease on this listing.
11. Halifax – Championships: 4, Problem Cups: 5, World Membership Challenges: 0, League Leaders’ Shields: 0, Different Honours: 13, Tremendous League Seasons: 8/28, Fan Base: 1/4. Factors: 67
Halifax have been one of many larger and higher sides within the early days of Tremendous League ending 3rd in 1998 and taking part in within the first ever play-off collection. That constructed on the again of their spectacular historical past which noticed them gather 22 trophies which isn’t a foul quantity particularly given the 9 occasions they have been topped both Champions or Cup Winners. Sadly, since their relegation in 2003, Fax have step by step seen their crowds drop with a mean attendance of 1,761 in 2019.
10. Wakefield Trinity – Championships: 2, Problem Cups: 5, World Membership Challenges: 0, League Leaders’ Shields: 0, Different Honours: 17, Tremendous League Seasons: 25/28, Fan Base: 2/4. Factors: 68.5
Many individuals neglect, Wakefield have by no means been relegated from Tremendous League. The membership missed the primary three Tremendous League campaigns earlier than becoming a member of the highest flight in 1999 and haven’t left since. Their finest Tremendous League spell was latest and got here between 2016-18. However their best ever interval got here within the 60s as they claimed back-to-back titles in 1967 and 1968. The 60s additionally noticed them declare three Problem Cups but additionally caused their lowest and most historic second in defeat within the notorious Watersplash Problem Cup Ultimate in 1968.
9. Salford Purple Devils – Championships: 6, Problem Cups: 1, World Membership Challenges: 0, League Leaders’ Shields: 0, Different Honours: 11, Tremendous League Seasons: 25/28, Fan Base: 1/4. Factors: 71.5
Salford have had two of their best seasons in recent times taking part in within the Grand Ultimate and Problem Cup Ultimate in again to again years. They’ve turn out to be a fortified Tremendous League membership solely lacking three seasons however for no matter motive lack the fan base they really deserve averaging an attendance of three,989 during the last 10 years. Nevertheless, they’ve received the title 6 occasions and the Problem Cup as soon as.
8. Widnes Vikings – Championships: 3, Problem Cups: 7, World Membership Challenges: 1, League Leaders’ Shields: 0, Different Honours: 21, Tremendous League Seasons: 9/28, Fan Base: 2/4. Factors: 76.5
In 1989, Widnes have been topped World Champions having overwhelmed Canberra which supplied the right conclusion to the Lancashire facet’s best spell which noticed them declare 3 Championships in 11 years in addition to 3 Problem Cups. Arguably, Widnes would’ve received much more trophies on this interval however for Wigan. Sadly, the Vikings haven’t had a lot of a presence within the Tremendous League being relegated once more in 2018 which has subsequently broken their fan base. The Vikings averaged an attendance of simply 4,321 in 2019.
7. Hull FC – Championships: 6, Problem Cups: 5, World Membership Challenges: 0, League Leaders’ Shields: 0, Different Honours: 12, Tremendous League Seasons: 26/28, Fan Base: 4/4. Factors: 96
On the opposite finish of the spectrum, Hull have hardly spent any time exterior of Tremendous League and have a big and vocal fan base with a mean attendance of 11,809 during the last 10 seasons (not together with 2020). They’ve additionally been one of the profitable sides within the Tremendous League with out profitable the large one. Hull have received three Problem Cups within the Summer season Period together with back-to-back triumphs at Wembley from 2016-17. They’ve additionally received a powerful 6 Championships previous to Tremendous League and I wouldn’t be stunned to see that turn out to be 7 within the coming years.
6. Bradford Bulls – Championships: 6, Problem Cups: 5, World Membership Challenges: 3, League Leaders’ Shields: 3, Different Honours: 16, Tremendous League Seasons: 19/28, Fan Base: 3/4. Factors: 104.5
A number of years in the past, Bradford would have made the highest 4 of this listing definitely. The three-time World Champions have been the second staff to win the Tremendous League in 1997 and went onto win three Grand Finals from 2001-05. They have been additionally the primary membership to win the treble in Tremendous League in 2003 and Odsal boasted a number of the finest atmospheres within the league. Nevertheless, after a substantial drop off on the finish of the 2000s, Bradford entered monetary turmoil and haven’t performed Tremendous League since 2014. Their fan base has additionally decreased all the way down to round 4000 in recent times.
5. Warrington Wolves – Championships: 3, Problem Cups: 9, World Membership Challenges: 0, League Leaders’ Shields: 2, Different Honours: 26, Tremendous League Seasons: 28/28, Fan Base: 3/4. Factors: 109
Warrington are one other membership who may declare to have had a profitable spell in Tremendous League with out profitable a Grand Ultimate. They’ve appeared in 4 and have additionally received 4 Problem Cups since 2009. A mainstay within the prime 5 or 6 golf equipment in Tremendous League during the last decade it’s exceptional that the Wolves haven’t added to their 3 Championships the final of which got here in 1955. Regardless of the shortage of titles, the Wolves have received a bunch of silverware and have an excellent fan base with a mean attendance of 10,451 during the last 10 years.
4. Huddersfield Giants – Championships: 7, Problem Cups: 6, World Membership Challenges: 0, League Leaders’ Shields: 1, Different Honours: 23, Tremendous League Seasons: 25/28, Fan Base: 2/4. Factors: 111.5
Not like Warrington, the Giants don’t precisely have the fan base their historical past suggests. Because the delivery place of rugby league, Huddersfield has a particular place within the sport’s historical past and the Giants have had a level of success having received 7 Championships and 6 Problem Cups. Nevertheless, the final time they received both was 1962. That stated, the Giants have had a good stint in Tremendous League simply lacking three seasons and ending 1st in 2013. They spent a constant interval within the play-offs and could possibly be set for extra success underneath Ian Watson.
3. Leeds Rhinos – Championships: 11, Problem Cups: 14, World Membership Challenges: 3, League Leaders’ Shields: 3, Different Honours: 37, Tremendous League Seasons: 28/28, Fan Base: 4/4. Factors: 205
In some ways Leeds could possibly be thought-about the largest membership in British Rugby League themselves however that assertion is true of all the highest three. The Rhinos are very a lot the 21st Century’s tremendous membership profitable 8 of their 11 Championships since 2004 and claiming the treble in 2015. The membership additionally has had the perfect attendance during the last 10 years with a mean of 14,487 and have performed in each Tremendous League season. They’re the second most profitable facet within the Problem Cup and have had historic success reminiscent of within the 60s and 70s when Leeds completed prime 4 seasons in a row. With the largest fan base and one of many largest trophy collections in Britain, Leeds needed to be pushing for prime spot.
2. St Helens – Championships: 17, Problem Cups: 13, World Membership Challenges: 2, League Leaders’ Shields: 9, Different Honours: 28, Tremendous League Seasons: 28/28, Fan Base: 3/4. Factors: 236
The present Tremendous League Champions simply edge the Rhinos to second place. They may have a barely smaller fan base with a mean attendance of 11,290 during the last decade, however Saints have received six extra Championships than the Rhinos. They took to Tremendous League like a duck to water profitable the very first Tremendous League crown and never shedding a Grand Ultimate till 2007 having received 4 already. No membership has performed in additional Tremendous League Grand Finals than the Saints who boast a powerful historical past and a powerful current.
1. Wigan Warriors – Championships: 22, Problem Cups: 20, World Membership Challenges: 4, League Leaders’ Shields: 5, Different Honours: 59, Tremendous League Seasons: 28/28, Fan Base: 4/4. Factors: 331
No membership has received extra silverware than the Warriors. They dominated within the 80s and 90s profitable 8 Problem Cups in a row cementing themselves as Britain’s most profitable membership. In addition they have a big fan base with a mean attendance of over 12,000 since 2010. They’ve not achieved fairly as a lot in Tremendous League however have received 5 Grand Finals together with the very first. No English membership has received extra World Titles than the Warriors who have been additionally one of many very first skilled golf equipment as their success reached its peak with the likes of Ellery Hanley and Martin Offiah catching the attention at Central Park.
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