
A third club have announced their intention to join League One in 2025 with the RFL having recently called for formal applications to join the competition.
Currently, there are just nine teams in League One after both London Skolars and West Wales Raiders withdrew from League One, with the Skolars continuing as a community club. However, the divisions below Super League will be reconstructed ahead of the 2025 season as the IMG grading system comes into effect.
With that said, there is set to be another spot for a team to join and that’s seen plenty of teams declare interest but only two so far have declared interest publicly. Now though, a third has done so,
Following on from Goole Vikings and Bedford Tigers, Bramley Buffaloes have also declared their interest with the club actually being one of the most historic teams in England. Both Goole and Bedford are far newer ventures but a team has existed in Bramley since 1879.
The club have declared their interest via a statement on their website.
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Bramley Buffaloes confirm intention to join League One

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When the RFL confirmed their intention to have a “managed restructure of the competition structure” below Super League, they posted a statement themselves asking clubs to apply.
It read: “The RFL recently completed a detailed six-month review involving all Tier Two and Three clubs, and determined that applications would be invited for a possible expansion of League One in 2025.”
Bramley have answered the call and they’re the most historic club to do so yet with several impressive feats. Founded in 1879, they were the first side to have a player move for £100, James Lomas who left to join Salford.
They’ve also spent three seasons playing at Headingley in the late 1990s as well as being coached by and having players such as John Kear and Barrie McDermott.
The club’s statement read: “Bramley Buffaloes can today confirm its intention to re-join the professional game by applying for a place in League One from 2025.
“A working group has already been established to investigate the feasibility of the application, ensuring key criteria are met, as well as the financial implications of climbing the divisions.
“With a rich history stretching back to 1879, there has long been professional rugby league played in Bramley.
“The club has also enjoyed more recent success in the Yorkshire Men’s League for a number of seasons. The Buffs first team are currently sat top of their division, winning five of their opening six league games.
“Should the Buffs’ application be successful, we look forward to renewing local rivalries with Hunslet and the other professional clubs we’ve faced since our inception almost 150 years ago.”
Martyn Cheney, Bramley Buffaloes chairman, said: “The decision to express our interest in becoming the 12th team in the Betfred League 1 competition hasn’t been taken lightly, and we understand there will be many challenges associated with this bid.
“Nevertheless, the due diligence carried out by our working group will ensure the club takes the best option for all parties as we embark on this exciting new venture.
“We look forward to the weeks and months ahead, and are hopeful that a strategy can be put in place which allows professional rugby league to return to Bramley.”
