Five clubs receive RFL Warning

Five clubs have received warnings about the progression of their projects to either improve the standard of their current grounds, or the building of new stadiums.

Castleford, Wakefield and Salford look to be in worst position regarding progress made, whilst St Helens and Celtic Crusaders have also received warnings.

For the latter two though, they are likely to be in their respective new homes or stadia by the time the next round of licences are awarded.

Salford have released statements throughout the past two years stating that the stadium is still on the cards, although expected completion dates have been put back several times.

Castleford have outline planning permission and are currently in the process of drawing up designs for the stadium following the announcement that they were to be given land by Wakefield Council.

Wakefield’s progression is currently unknown, although there is reason to believe that they are currently in the process of drawing up their plans for outline planning permission.

That puts Championship and Championship One clubs on red alert with Widnes the first side to be able to apply for a licence in 2011.

The Stobart Stadium club beat Barrow in the Northern Rail Cup Final and already have a quality stadium, whilst also satisfying other criteria.

The RFL’s Director of Development Gary Tasker said: “Some clubs are at a more advanced stage of the planning process than others so we felt that, a year on from awarding the licences, it was appropriate to remind all the clubs concerned of their commitment to upgrade their current facility or move to a new stadium and the potential implications any failure to do so may have on their next licence application.”