WHEN Cornwall Rugby League Football Club (RLFC) faced up against the Midlands Hurricanes on Sunday, there was a very special spectator in the crowd.

Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons, is also the president of the Rugby Football League, the governing body for rugby league in the UK.

He attended The Choughs’ final home game of 2024 at the Memorial Ground Penryn.

“I always dreamt of rugby league spreading its wings, and I have come to one of the furthest outposts for our sport,” Sir Lindsay said. “That shows what a big geographical leap it is for the game. It is good to see that the crowds are good and that there’s a real enthusiasm for rugby league.”

Sir Lindsay was in the company of two of Cornwall’s newly elected Labour MPs — Jayne Kirkham (Truro and Falmouth) and Noah Law (St Austell and Newquay).

A Cornwall RLFC spokesperson, added: “We were honoured to welcome Sir Lindsay to Sunday’s game. He spent time talking with club officials, players and, more importantly, our supporters, many who are new to the sport of rugby league.

“Sir Lindsay is a high-profile figure in our game and for his political work too, so to have him attend one of our matches will help raise our profile”

Formed in 2021, The Choughs were sadly no match for their counterparts, who defeated them 18-6. For the full match report, turn to the sports pages.