“Best news since the vaccine” – how social media reacted to the RFL backtracking on academy licenses

It’s been a news item that has dominated proceedings over the past few weeks, but now the RFL have done a spectacular u-turn on their decision to strip three clubs their academy licenses. Now though, Bradford, Castleford and Hull KR have been granted ‘Probationary Elite academies’, but how has social media reacted?

One Castleford fan called it an “excellent decision”.

An excellent decision for the Tigers and for the game of RL in this country

— 🦈 Sharkey 🦈 (@sh4rkster) June 4, 2021

A current Castleford academy graduate’s mother was happy to say the least.

Brilliant news 🎉 well done @dazhiggins1 and everyone at the club who has fought to make this happen 🐯🖤🧡

— Pam Peachey (@peachey_pamela) June 4, 2021

One woman praised the club behind the scenes to influence the decision.

Excellent news. Well done to the team of people who fought this to make sure we earned the license for the club! 👏🏻👏🏻

— Sara (@saralouise81) June 4, 2021

A Hull KR fan even started of thinking of ways as to how their club could ensure that the next decision to be admitted would just be a formality.

We as fans need to do all we can to ensure the decision in for 2024 is a much easier one. Let's push player participation and promote the community game whenever we have the opportunity. A fans group could have potential benefits?

— Kevin Tranmer (@kevintranmer81) June 4, 2021

Another claimed that “people power” had won.

At last common sense prevails.
👊People power 🔴⚪

— Tracey Curl (@traceycurlHKR) June 4, 2021

One Twitter user went as far as describing it as “the best news since the vaccine”.

Best news since the vaccine
Now up to us all to support RL at all levels

— Sue Cater (@suecater1) June 4, 2021

One user was so happy about what it meant for the sport.

Great news coming in/I’m reading about the change of heart with some of the elite RL academy licences. REALLY… pleased for the clubs & the game!

— Andy Grundy (@AndyGrundy10) June 4, 2021

That sentiment was echoed by another user.

Excellent news this afternoon that Bradford, Castleford and Hull KR have now retained their Elite Academy Licenses.

Particularly delighted for the young players who will benefit from this 🥳 https://t.co/QZJP78Gva3

— The Tryline 🏉 (@TrylineUK) June 4, 2021

Hull MP Karl Turner, who spoke out against the initial plan, was overjoyed at the reversal.

I am glad to see @TheRFL come to the correct decision after our meeting yesterday and have awarded @HullKROfficial a Probationary Elite Academy Licence.
This wouldn’t have happened without Rugby League fans being loud and proud.🏉 https://t.co/pSleLi6FAA

— Karl Turner MP (@KarlTurnerMP) June 4, 2021

Another fan praised all supporters for their efforts in getting the decision overturned.

You beauty. That's a win for all the clubs and all those fans who never stopped badgering the RFL. I've lost count of the amount of emails I've sent and replied to. 👍👍👍

— Kevin Tranmer (@kevintranmer81) June 4, 2021