English Rugby League Council Approves Four Leagues
The Rugby League Council today received a preliminary report from the Strategic Planning Committee concerning the future structure of the sport.
The committee, which is led by Nigel Wood, is due to present its final report to the game by the end of this month.
RFL Chairman, Sir Rodney Walker, said: 'The Council supported the long term proposals contained in the preliminary report which radically alter the structure of the game and secures its long term future.
'Following a substantial, comprehensive and positive debate, the Council gave their approval to a league structure of one Super League and four National Leagues - two professional and two amateur - from the start of
the 2003 season.
'The Council have asked the SPC to further debate various options for the 2002 season which will be circulated to clubs for approval prior to the delivery of the final report.
'Part of the plans accepted in principle for the 2000 season and beyond includes the development of both new competitions and a more extensive international fixture programme.'
Sir Rodney added: 'Many issues were discussed by the clubs today but there still remains a substantial workload to complete before the committee's final proposals can be placed before the Council for ratification.'
The Council also authorised the Rugby Football League's Board of Directors to accept any report submitted following next Tuesday's meeting of the Independent Franchise Committee who meet to consider final proposals from Widnes Vikings.
Vikings earned the right to seek promotion to the Tetley's Super League after beating Oldham in last Saturday's Northern Ford Premiership Grand Final. Council's decision means that Widnes would not have to wait until October 3rd for the final go-ahead to be promoted.
For more details contact:
JOHN HUXLEY
Media and Public Affairs Executive
Telephone: 0113 237 5014
Fax: 0113 232 3838
E-mail: info@rfl.uk.com.
The committee, which is led by Nigel Wood, is due to present its final report to the game by the end of this month.
RFL Chairman, Sir Rodney Walker, said: 'The Council supported the long term proposals contained in the preliminary report which radically alter the structure of the game and secures its long term future.
'Following a substantial, comprehensive and positive debate, the Council gave their approval to a league structure of one Super League and four National Leagues - two professional and two amateur - from the start of
the 2003 season.
'The Council have asked the SPC to further debate various options for the 2002 season which will be circulated to clubs for approval prior to the delivery of the final report.
'Part of the plans accepted in principle for the 2000 season and beyond includes the development of both new competitions and a more extensive international fixture programme.'
Sir Rodney added: 'Many issues were discussed by the clubs today but there still remains a substantial workload to complete before the committee's final proposals can be placed before the Council for ratification.'
The Council also authorised the Rugby Football League's Board of Directors to accept any report submitted following next Tuesday's meeting of the Independent Franchise Committee who meet to consider final proposals from Widnes Vikings.
Vikings earned the right to seek promotion to the Tetley's Super League after beating Oldham in last Saturday's Northern Ford Premiership Grand Final. Council's decision means that Widnes would not have to wait until October 3rd for the final go-ahead to be promoted.
For more details contact:
JOHN HUXLEY
Media and Public Affairs Executive
Telephone: 0113 237 5014
Fax: 0113 232 3838
E-mail: info@rfl.uk.com.