IMG are considering wide spread changes to rugby league.

This is why the Magic Weekend’s future has been questioned recently.

Speaking on BBC Five Live, Rhodri Jones of RL C0mmercial spoke about the changes IMG are taking including the end of loop fixtures and how it could change the Challenge Cup.

“Part of the IMG recommendations was to look at that specifically, hence the recommendation to remove the loop fixtures going forward,” he said.

“However, we also have to balance club finances and finances of the game as a whole. So therefore we have to take a pragmatic look at, you know, not just saying we’re going to cut the loop fixtures in totality and that means two home games less for every club.

“We have to find ways of still maintaining club finances. A Challenge Cup review might benefit that, which might mean we don’t play as many Super League games, but like I say, we have to look at the calendar as a whole and work out IMG’s recommendation, peaks and troughs in the season and make sure our big game can come bigger.”

Jones then addressed the introduction of a Champions League group format: “Yeah, very much so. That’s what we’re looking at. And I think now we talk after those six round games, having been at Halifax St Helens, that was a great occasion. You know, 1100 St Helens fans turned up. Halifax really made it a big event and did very well on the field of play as well.

“Sat there you think actually this is what we are talking about, to make these changes, these games become more regular in the Challenge Cup.”