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Rugby League

Changes to way rugby league clubs announce teams

12/03/2008

Changes to the way engage Super League clubs announce their squads ahead of matches are to be implemented this week.

Following discussions between the coaches of the Rugby League teams and the governing body RFL it was announced today that clubs would not have to declare their squads on two different occasions before matches.

Currently clubs are required to declare a 20-man squad 72 hours before a match and then have to reduce their squads to 18 men 24 hours before kick off.

The RFL has now decided to adopt a new system whereby clubs will only have to name a 19-man squad 48 hours before a game.

The new rules will take effect from this week.

Tony Smith, RFL's technical director and England coach said: "We have regular meetings with coaches to listen to their views on how they think the game can be improved.

"From my club coaching I can fully understand the views of engage Super League coaches towards the existing system where you have to make two squad announcements each week," he said.

"We believe this new system will help reduce the amount of administration work each club has to do. We also hope it better reflects the natural squad decisions which are taken in the coaching environment rather than imposing timescales which cut across coach's decision making."

The new measures will apply to all engage Super League clubs playing league and cup games as well as The Co-operative National League clubs taking part in televised games.