Championship clubs given green light for Super League

The RFL have confirmed today that application forms for Super League Licences have been sent to those Championship clubs that have fulfilled the on-field minimum criteria. 

Halifax, Featherstone, Batley, Barrow and Widnes have all received their applications, having been either Co-operative Championship Grand Finalists or winners of the Northern Rail Cup in 2009 or 2010. The Clubs now have until 3 December 2010 to submit their applications to the RFL for assessment.

“With the Co-operative Championship developing into such a vibrant competition in its own right, we expect a number of strong submissions from clubs who have aspirations of joining the Super League,” explained the RFL Compliance Manager Blake Solly. “The licence process is a central factor in ensuring Super League reaches its aim of being the best elite Rugby League competition in the world and the response so far from those clubs eligible to apply has been exciting.”

In order for a Championship club’s application to proceed to assessment by the RFL, an applicant must meet the Championship club minimum criteria.  These minimum criteria are:

a.    Club has reached a Championship Final or won the Northern Rail Cup in 2009 or 2010.
b.    Club has a stadium with an operational capacity of 10,000.
c.    Club has turnover of at least £1,000,000 in financial year ending 2009 or 2010.
d.    Club has an average attendance of at least 2500 in 2009 or 2010.

Provided at least one applicant meets the minimum criteria, a Championship club will be awarded a Super League licence for a three-year period commencing at the start of the 2012 season.

This initial successful Championship club receiving a Super League licence will be announced in March 2011.