Rugby League announces 13 licenses for teams to participate in Super League – Rugby League News
The governing body of the Rugby League in United Kingdom, the Rugby Football League (RFL), has announced thirteen new licenses for teams, enabling them to feature in the top-level rugby league tournament for the next three years. RFL Chairman, Richard Lewis,
announced the details of the Rugby Football Clubs who were found eligible by RFL to compete in the next three seasons of the Super League tournament. Lewis announced the details at Old Trafford, Manchester on Tuesday, July 26.
RFL has followed a relatively long procedure on awarding the three-year licenses, which will allow teams to compete in the 2012, 2013 and 2014 seasons.
The trio of Savills, KPMG and Leeds Metropolitan University investigated the applicants property, finance and administration related issues respectively and forwarded their assessment to the RFL Executive, which were then put up to RFL’s independent board
to make the final decision.
Tuesday’s announcement will take the final count of the Super League licenses to 14. Earlier in March this year, RFL handed over a license to Widnes Vikings.
It was widely believed that the Wakefield Wildcats will not be able to retain their place in the Super League. However, following the withdrawal of applications from Crusaders Football Rugby League Club, the Wildcats have been saved from relegation from
the top-level Rugby League tournament.
Additionally, RFL has turned down the licensing request of Halifax Rugby League Football Club. Lewis added, “Halifax have been unsuccessful in their Super League license application and will continue to play in the Co-operative Championship in 2012 and I
wish them every success.”
The 14 teams were categorised into three grades, which are Grade A, Grade B and Grade C. The Grades were awarded by RFL following the assessment of the RFL executive, who scrutinised the applications with the help of the three organizations.
Warrington Wolves, Leeds Rhinos, Wigan Warriors, and Hull FC are placed in the Category A. Meanwhile, Catalan Dragons, Huddersfield Giants, Bradford Bulls, St Helens and Hull Kingston Rovers are placed in the Category B.
Whereas, Castleford Tigers, Harlequins RL, Salford City Reds, Wakefield Trinity Wildcats and Widnes Vikings are placed in the Category C.
Lewis confirmed that teams placed in the Category C need to improve their shortcomings or else RFL has the right to terminate their license pre-maturely.
Lewis further confirmed that the systematic and methodical process of the application assessment has forced Crusaders to withdraw their application. He said, “As part of the on-going scrutiny applied by the thoroughness of the licensing process Crusaders
decided to withdraw their license application.”
Lewis expressed his desire for the Crusaders to participate and compete in the Co-operative Championship.
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