The Rugby League Council, the sport’s decision-making body which comprises representatives from all three professional competitions and the community game, have today voted in favour of Club Grading – the first recommendation from IMG, the sport’s long term strategic partner, as part of the Reimagining Rugby League strategy.
In a Special General Meeting in Huddersfield, the Yorkshire town where the rebel rugby code was formed as the Northern Union in 1895, the recommendations were supported by a majority of clubs in each of the three professional competitions, and received unanimous support from the community game.
At first ten of the 11 Betfred Super League clubs voted in favour, with one abstention. (The 12th club, Catalans Dragons, were not entitled to vote).
However, this abstention was a misunderstanding we are told from the Salford Red Devils who are full in support of the proposals.
Thus, Salford abstained by mistake therefore it was unanimous Super League support for the proposals.
Eight of the 13 Betfred Championship clubs voted in favour, with one abstention. (The 14th club, Toulouse Olympique, were not entitled to vote). Four clubs voted against.
Seven of the 11 Betfred League One clubs voted in favour, with one abstention. There were three votes against.
The total number of votes in favour was therefore 33, with seven opposed, and two abstentions.
Under the weighting system for Council votes which ensures an equal weight for Super League clubs on the one hand, and Championship / League One on the other.
