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Rugby League

RFL receives 19 applications for 2009 Super League licences

01/04/2008

The Rugby Football League (RFL) has confirmed that 19 clubs have submitted licence applications to form the new 14-team Super League from 2009.

The sport's governing body are planning to scrap the current promotion and relegation system from the National League in favour of a franchise arrangement, where clubs are awarded three-year rolling memberships.

In doing so, the league will expand from 12 to 14 clubs - therefore seven clubs currently outside the top division of the sport have joined the 12 current teams in applying for a franchise licence for the 2009, 2010 and 2011 seasons.

Last year's relegated side Salford City Reds have been joined by fellow National League teams Widnes Vikings, Celtic Crusaders, Leigh Centurions, Featherstone Rovers and Halifax in submitting licence applications.

French side Toulouse are the seventh outfit currently outside the Super League to meet yesterday's deadline of 17:00 BST.

A decision over the successful applicants is expected to be made in July, although the criteria on which applications will be judged has already been unveiled.

RFL staff, along with in-house lawyer Rod Findlay, will evaluate all 19 submissions and make recommendations to the board of directors based on a mark out of ten for each club's facilities; finance and business outlook; commercial, marketing and community work; and playing strength.

This points system will be the main denominator in deciding on the successful bids, the RFL has confirmed.

Clubs scoring more than five out of ten overall will receive a category A or B status and will be guaranteed a place in the league for 2009.

However, submissions that score less than half-marks will be branded as category C and will be given no such assurance.