Super League club finally launch reserves side

Fixtures have this week been unveiled for next season’s Reserve grade and Academy (U/18) fixtures.

13 clubs will compete in the Reserve grade competition, with reigning champions Wigan Warriors travelling to London Broncos on Saturday 9 March for their opening fixture. The 13 includes all 11 English Super League clubs, plus Bradford Bulls and Wakefield Trinity from the Betfred Championship.

It also includes Leigh Leopards who last year were unable to compete in the reserves competition but have officially launched a reserves side for 2024.

Round One Reserves fixtures (all Saturday 9 March, KO 2pm unless stated)

Bradford Bulls v Hull FC

Castleford Tigers v Huddersfield Giants

Hull KR v Warrington Wolves

Leigh Leopards v Leeds Rhinos

London Broncos v Wigan Warriors (2.30pm)

St Helens v Salford Red Devils

In the opening round of the 10-strong Academy competition, 2023 champions St Helens begin the defence of their title at Leeds Rhinos on Saturday 16 March. Bradford and Wakefield again represent the Championship, alongside eight English Super League clubs.

The likes of Leigh are not included in the academy as they are still without an academy licence. London Broncos have given up their academy licence to focus on using the money elsewhere to improve their IMG score after finishing with the lowest Grade B score and finishing 24th below 13 Championship clubs.

Round One Academy fixtures (Saturday 16 March, KO 2pm unless stated)

Huddersfield Giants v Hull KR (KO 10.30am)

Leeds Rhinos v St Helens

Wakefield Trinity v Bradford Bulls

Warrington Wolves v Hull FC

Wigan Warriors Academy v Castleford Tigers Academy

Reserves and Academy competition rounds take place on alternate weeks to help clubs manage demands on players and resources, with each culminating in a Grand Final to determine the champions.

A new restriction on tackle height will apply to both competitions, following trials in the Academy competition last summer which were found to have significantly reduced the amount of head contact and the number of head accelerations. The new law, which will eventually be applied at all levels of professional Rugby League from 2025 season, changes the legal tackle height limit from shoulder level (i.e. below the neck) to arm pit level (i.e. below the shoulder).