Relegation Row Hits Super League

Plans to scrap promotion and relegation to and from the Super League have met
with significant opposition from the clubs in the divisions below rugby league’s
top-flight.

The Super League is currently reviewing a plan to end the relegation and
promotion system from 2009 but the National League clubs have voiced their
concerns over the move, stating that the decision should only be made by the
Rugby League Council as opposed to the top-flight league alone.

Oldham chairman Chris Hamilton, whose club play in National League Two, said:
‘The fear is Super League could become a closed shop. It would be very hard for
any club not in at the outset to get in under the criteria.

‘It would take away ambition and, despite the problems for promoted clubs in
Super League, most are prepared to take the risk.’

The Super League clubs are meeting at a two-day seminar in Perpignan this
week to discuss the issue.

Other plans on the table include increasing the play-offs from six to eight
clubs if relegation is abolished, implementing a reduction in the number of
overseas players, and a change to the Challenge Cup format allowing them to join
the tournament at the last 16 stage.