Leigh withdraw from RFL’s Autumn Competition

Leigh Centurions have announced they have withdrawn from the RFL’s Autumn Competition later this year.

The Centurions were one of five clubs to say they would be playing in the competition, which was put forward by the RFL as an alternative to the voided Championship and League One seasons.

However they have now retracted their interest, instead opting to turn their focus to next season.

In a statement, Centurions chairman Derek Beaumont said: “I put forward our club’s interest in the Autumn competition as I wanted our players who have remained in great shape to be able to have the opportunity to play some rugby and more importantly to repay the fantastic loyalty shown to us by our sponsors and season ticket holders that has been overwhelming.

“We lost a couple of players we wouldn’t have wanted to and therefore set out on our recruitment drive to bring in Super League players for next year’s challenge.

“This means that the dates proposed for the Autumn competition cannot work for our squad as it would be unfair to expect players who have come from a crammed season to continue playing in November and December which would in mine and my coaches opinions, be against player welfare.”

The four sides who currently remain interested in competing in the Autumn tournament are Barrow Raiders, Batley Bulldogs, Bradford Bulls and Dewsbury Rams.