Widnes and Bradford agree dual-reg deal

Widnes Vikings and Bradford Bulls have confirmed they have entered into a dual-registration agreement for the remainder of the 2017 season.

The agreement started on Monday, 1st May, and allows the movement of players between the two clubs, with the Bulls operating in the Kingstone Press Championship and the Vikings in the Betfred Super League.

Widnes’ boss Denis Betts said: “The dual registration system has worked well with us in previous seasons and I’m pleased to have entered into this relationship with Bradford Bulls.

“It’s imperative that we have an opportunity for all of our players to gain regular, competitive rugby.

“As we do not currently run a reserves team, the partnership with Bradford provides me with the ability to source game time for any member of the squad not required within our match day 17.

“Bradford have impressed us with their vision for the future and we look forward to working with them during the course of the season.”

Bradford owner Andrew Chalmers added: “We are absolutely delighted to have agreed this dual-registration agreement with Widnes Vikings and we are sure that going forward this will prove to be an ideal partnership that will benefit both clubs.

“Dual-registration is vastly developing between several Championship and Super League clubs, with great evidence of working in recent times.

“We look forward to fruitful relationship with the Widnes Vikings.”