Super League club make statement after reports stated they would vote against IMG

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.

All 11 of the Super League clubs eligible to vote, with Catalans Dragons not allowed to vote as not a member of the RFL’s Council, voted in favour of the changes though Salford Red Devils initially voted to abstain but this was due to a mix up.

There had been talk that Wakefield Trinity and Castleford Tigers were possibly going to vote against it but both voted for it.

The Tigers meanwhile put out this statement:

“Castleford Tigers can confirm that the Club have voted in favour of IMG’s proposals despite earlier reports to the contrary.”

Managing Director Mark Grattan wanted to make the following statement on the matter following today’s vote:

“We have always been generally supportive of the proposals. Our only concern was around the catchment area element of the proposal as it is not a true reflection of the size and geographical makeup of our fan base. Every other measure apart from catchment area is within our gift to improve and achieve the standards required.

“We are excited for the future of our game and look forward to working alongside IMG in the future.”