A PROPOSED new rugby league club in Lancaster is already attracting interest from as far a field as Windermere and Lytham St Annes - and support from the game's ruling body.

Lancaster Rugby Club is pressing ahead with plans to join the Rugby League Conference in 2003 after its first meeting.

Co-ordinator, John Thomason, said: "We were encouraged by both the number and the enthusiasm of the attendees.

"The gathering reflected a broad mix of ages, skills and experience, and it has given us something positive to build on in the months ahead, although it must be said that we are still recruiting players and officials."

The next formal meeting takes place on Saturday, August 24, again at the Walkabout pub in Lancaster, just before the London v Widness super league game, kicking off at 6pm.

The Lancaster initiative is being welcomed by the Rugby Football League, particularly as it is taking place in the run-up to the Great Britain v New Zealand test match at Ewood Park, Blackburn, in November.,

John added: ""The RFL are hoping to build on the buzz that the test is generating throughout the county, and already, in addition to Lancaster, several new Lancashire based clubs have shown an interest in the RL Conference competition"

Anyone wanting to get involved in the club as player, administrator or supporter can contact John Thomason on 01524 33354 or 0772 0028965.

Tickets for the test match, which takes place on Saturday, November 3, are available from the RFL on 0113 232 94444.