by Our Sports Desk

A Canadian team have set their sights on securing a place in Super League after yesterday being formally admitted to the third tier of the British professional game.

Toronto Wolfpack was launched in Leeds via a video link to the Canadian city, where former Bradford, Wigan and Great Britain coach Brian Noble was confirmed as director of rugby working alongside ex-Leigh boss Paul Rowley as head coach.

The team will play in League 1 from next March and take part in the 2017 Challenge Cup.

“Rugby league has always had a pioneering philosophy throughout its history and this initiative offers further evidence of the sport’s wide appeal and readiness to embrace innovation,” said Rugby Football League chief executive Nigel Wood on the video link from Toronto.

The initiative came from Toronto-born businessman Eric Perez, who will become the club’s chief executive, and is financed largely by wealthy Australian businessman David Argyle, a 55-year-old mining investor.

Also on the club’s board will be rugby player-turned-actor Adam Fogerty, who made the initial approach to Noble, who remains the most successful coach in Super League following his spell with Bradford from 2000-06.

“I met Adam over a couple of breakfasts, went to see David Argyle in his apartment in London alongside Eric Perez and I thought I’d love to be a part of it,” Noble said.

“It’s brand new — I’ve done a lot of things in the game but to be involved in this and to take something from nowhere is exciting. Old Trafford is our ambition so it’s hugely appealing.

“I’m very ambitious as we all are. We really want to do it the right way and build it the right way. I’m an expansionist at heart and it’s exciting for this sport.”

The Wolfpack’s player recruitment drive will include a reality television series called “Last Tackle” which, according to Noble, will raise the club’s profile as well as potentially attract players.