Hemel Stags to join Championship 1

Hemel Stags will join Championship 1 for the 2013 season.

The Stags will line up with Northampton and two other clubs who have yet to be announced in making the step up to semi-professional level in a re-vamped Championship 1 from next season.

RFL Chief Operating Officer Ralph Rimmer said: “We are delighted to announce that Hemel Stags have been successful in their application to join Championship One from the 2013 season.

“This is another exciting day for Rugby League as we work tirelessly to grow and develop the sport.

“As with Northampton, this means further geographic expansion for Championship One and fits with our strategy to widen the sport’s catchment area and increase the number of Rugby League players involved.”

Hemel were founded in 1981 and joined the rugby league ranks in the second division of the Southern League. They moved to the National Conference League in 1993, before becoming a summer club in 1999, joining the RLC Eastern Division.

They were inaugural members of the RL Conference National, and appeared in the 2006 Grand Final, losing to Bramley at the Halliwell Jones Stadium. They have made the RLCN play-offs every year since.

Chairman Bob Brown said: “We are delighted to be taking the step up into Championship 1.

“Two decades of playing in non-professional national leagues has prepared us for the demands of Championship One.”

The RFL will announce the identity of the two remaining new clubs that will join Northampton and Hemel Stags in Championship One in 2013 over the next few months. 

Mike Penning, MP for Hemel Hempstead added: “This is fantastic news for the club and for Hemel. It is great that they will be in Championship 1.

“We have a long and proud sporting tradition in Hemel Hempstead and it is wonderful for us to have another professional sports team which can provide a means for children and adults to play sport and whose players can act as community role models.”

More to follow.