Punishment for club insolvency set to increase

The RFL is planning to increase the maximum points penalty for clubs who suffer financial woe, as part of its ongoing review of the game.

For Super League clubs, the maximum penalty applicable following an insolvency event would increase from six to 12 points, and from nine to 18 in the Championships.

Such penalties would be imposed immediately unless the offences occur during the playoffs or close season, when they will be taken into account the following season.

Running Rugby report that the Policy Review states: “It is recognised that financial sustainability, particularly among the elite level of the sport, is a matter of paramount importance. It is clear that the numerous insolvencies (and near insolvencies), occurring at some clubs in Super League over the past three years, has been both damaging to the sport and to the other members of the league who continue to manage their finances with skill and competence.

“It is also clear that the very visible consequences of club financial failure has continued to damage the commercial prospects and reputation of the sport and indeed prove immensely time consuming for the RFL Executive to repair.”

Bradford were deducted six points for entering administration in 2012, while both Wakefield and Crusaders were deducted four points in the 2011 season.