Super League

Another controversial twist in the restructuring of Rugby League as clubs could be forced out

by
Callum Walker
August 11, 2021

It’s been one of the major focuses of the rugby league fraternity in the past few months ever since it was announced that the sport would be set for yet another restructure, but just how could a potential restructure actually look?

Reports have suggested that Sky are pressuring the RFL to go ahead with a format that would see a two-tier system – Super League and Super League 22 – with just ten teams in both competitions.

That format would come into being in 2023, with 14 clubs in the top-flight next season and then four relegated in time for the new system.

But, alongside that, there is a possibility that there will be a guaranteed spot for a League 1 club in 2023 with the part-time league set to be disbanded.

However, if a League 1 side is able to make the second tier then that would mean another Championship club would miss out on Super League 2, leaving just five to battle it out.

There are many twists and turns left of the story, but with some clubs willing to go to court to save their place in the top flight, it would seem that there is no unanimous decision yet to be made.

Plans have been aplenty for the future of the sport, with former board member Shane Richardson tabling his own proposals a month ago which included a ten-team organisation.

“The game cannot sustain more than 10 teams at this stage,” Richardson said.

“To create this 10 team competition, eight should come from outside England and two external. The French sides are obvious but other expansion sides may come, in the future, but conditional on being from financially reputable organisations who can see the value of our three/five year business plan.

“Expansion for expansion sake is a recipe for disaster.

“In my opinion there are only five clubs that are automatic in the eight from England. Wigan, Saints, Warrington, Leeds one team from Hull. The other three clubs should be beneficial to the growth of the game and the value of the business.

“Areas such as Newcastle, York, Wales and London stand out.”