Rugby league: Gladiators prepare for debut as code returns to Chester

May 23 2008 Chester Chronicle

RUGBY league is coming back to Chester and the city’s new club, the Gladiators, are aiming to kick-off the season in style.

Since Chester Wolves folded two years ago rugby league has been absent from the area.

But tomorrow Chester Gladiators – the brainchild of city resident Jim Green – travel to Grimsby to face the South Humber Rabbitohs in the Impact Sports Merit League, just two months after their creation.

The competition is a development league which allows fledgling teams to play as many games as they can, rather than a set number, to help them get on their feet.

Club chairman Green said: “I am surprised how quickly it has all come together. Not just on the pitch, all the off-field things which we thought would take time are in place and Chester Rugby Club have agreed to accommodate us for a few dates around the Chester Romans American football.”

The Gladiators have a staff of 25 players made up of rugby union converts, one or two experienced league players and novices.

“The young lads who have never played before have come on really well in the few weeks we have been training,” said Green.

“Now we are all looking forward to getting the season under way.”

After tomorrow’s match, the Gladiators will play their second of a planned six-game first season on Sunday, June 1 at Chester Rugby Club’s Hare Lane ground. Wigan Riversiders provide the opposition for a match which kicks-off at noon.

They will have the Roman Goddesses cheerleaders – borrowed from the American football side – and the Dewa Experience’s own gladiatorial combatants are expected to put on a half-time show. Refreshments will be available at the club bar and there may even be an appearance by some members of the Warrington Wolves Super League side.

“We want to make it a real family day out,” said Green. “It is free to come and watch and we are trying to restore the popularity of the game in Chester.”

There are still places available on the coach to Grimsby tomorrow, priced £10. For further information contact 07899 717829.