THE final of rugby league's fledgling tournament - the European Nations Cup - could be set for York.

Rugby Football League chiefs have held preliminary talks with City of York Council and York City FC about staging the November game at the Minstermen's Bootham Crescent home - and the football club have said they would be willing in principle to host it.

Initial talks have also been held with York City Knights about the possibility of the game going to Huntington Stadium, but it is believed the pitch there would be due for reseeding at that time while the capacity of the venue might not be big enough anyway.

An RFL spokesman said several venues across the country were being considered and, at this stage, none were being ruled out. However, the Press believes Bootham Crescent is high on their list and City's communications director, Sophie McGill, confirmed that early talks had taken place.

"They are keen to bring the competition to York," she said.

"The council have been in discussion with the organisers about bringing it to York and if this is the case the only place that is big enough to host the final is Bootham Crescent.

"We've had initial talks with Charlie Croft (assistant director of leisure and lifelong learning) and his department about the possibility of this and as far as York City are concerned we would be pleased to assist the council in their bid to bring the competition to the city.

"We don't know the details and obviously we need to talk about it, look at the costs and the different aspects involved, and they have been only early discussions so far, but in principle the board of York City would be happy to host the event."

The inaugural European Nations Cup was held last year, with England hammering France in the final in front of 2,500 at Warrington's old Wilderspool ground.

The RFL are now looking to build on that and are targeting a crowd of 5,000 for this year's final, which will take place in November.

The tournament will again involve six countries - England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, France and Russia - playing in two three-team groups, the winners of which will qualify for the final.

The likes of Leeds aces Danny McGuire, who is widely tipped for a Great Britain place for this year's eagerly-awaited Tri-Nations Series, and Matt Diskin featured for England last year and the squad is again likely to comprise players on the fringes of the Lions squad.

A City of York Council spokeswoman said: "The council has been approached to help stage the rugby league European Nations Cup final in November.

"While we are keen to give our support, no arrangements have been finalised as yet."

Updated: 11:05 Wednesday, August 18, 2004