Rfl Expects 18 Clubs To Bid For Super League Status
The Rugby Football League has stated that it expects as many as 18 clubs to apply for up to 14 three-year Super League licences as it looks at expanding the sport’s top flight.
The new franchise system is set to be introduced in 2009 with clubs given until the end of January to make applications.
The existing Super League clubs will take up 12 of the available licences while Toulouse and Celtic Crusaders have already been confirmed as definite bidders for the remaining two.
Salford, who were relegated this year, and Widnes are also certain to be among the applicants from the second-tier National League.
Final decisions will be made in June or July, with an expansion from 12 clubs dependent on an increase in revenue from TV rights contracts.
The current Sky contract expires in 12 months but RFL executive chairman Richard Lewis sounded optimistic, saying ‘I think we will deliver 14 clubs.’
Promotion and relegation will not apply in 2008 but a National League team is guaranteed a Super League licence when they next come up for review in 2012.
This would either be at the expense of a relegated team or as a result of further expansion.
