Super League set to expand

[Cymro]

<div align="center">Super League set to expand

</div>

The Rugby Football League have confirmed that Super League will be expanded from 12 to 14 clubs starting from next season.

As of 2009, places in Super League will be awarded by licences rather than by promotion or relegation, with 19 clubs, including the 12 currently in the top flight, applying for places.

The decision to offer two extra places increases the likelihood that the likes of Salford, Widnes and Celtic Crusaders will be offered places, with Leigh, Featherstone, Halifax and Toulouse also in the running.

RFL executive chairman Richard Lewis told BBC Radio Five Live that the success of Super League in its current incarnation meant the time was right to expand.

He said: "I believe the sport is on the up and there are so many things that are going well.

"Television income, sponsorship income and crowd figures - so much is going well. I think the sport is ready to make that transition.

"The international game is growing and it is probably as good a time as any for the sport to go to a 14-team Super League competition."

Final make-up

A decision on the final make-up of Super League from 2009-11 - licences are to be reissued every three years - is expected next month, although no date has been confirmed.

Super League last consisted of 14 clubs in 1999 but reverted to 12, its original level, after the demise of Gateshead and Sheffield.

Those clubs merged with Hull and Huddersfield respectively before being reformed at a lower level.

Lewis also expressed confidence that the planned changes to Super League will not affect the strength of the game in the National League divisions.

He added: "I know the National League is a very strong competition and that will remain very strong even when Super league goes to 14. I think the sport is ready to make that transition."

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12196_3703310,00.html

 

[St Helens RLFC]

It's looking better and better for the Crusaders with every passing day.

 

[jeffb]

It's looking better and better for the Crusaders with every passing day. [/b]

Not so sure on Celtic Crusaders, i think it is too soon. 2012 would be a better time for CC, 3 more years building up a steady pull of fans and talent. In Les Catalans, they were an already established club with an infrastructure and fan base.



Jeff

 

[Fa'atau82]

They have this franchise system in BBL, which is the professional basketball league in the UK. It works as long as none of the clubs get relegated and that they all can last the course. BBL suffers from some teams just bludgeoning their way through a season (Birmingham) and others just can't take the financial gamble.

Super League is like that however. I would say that it would be very unfair to continue promotion, or in the very least have a play-off to decide. If you run franchises, you ar buying into the league, and you can't be kicked out unless you break the deal.

 

[Cymro]

<div class='quotemain'> It's looking better and better for the Crusaders with every passing day. [/b]

Not so sure on Celtic Crusaders, i think it is too soon. 2012 would be a better time for CC, 3 more years building up a steady pull of fans and talent. In Les Catalans, they were an already established club with an infrastructure and fan base.



Jeff

[/b][/quote]

I beg to differ that one, the players they have there could compete with sides in the SL. With Iestyn Harris possibly about to sign also it shows that CC are going to be taken seriously, and I do think they will be granted a license!

Regarding the fanbase, its in fact growing all the time, the attendances are growing and S4C are showing a number of games on TV which is also helping the fanbase!

 

[jeffb]

[/quote]

I beg to differ that one, the players they have there could compete with sides in the SL. With Iestyn Harris possibly about to sign also it shows that CC are going to be taken seriously, and I do think they will be granted a license!

Regarding the fanbase, its in fact growing all the time, the attendances are growing and S4C are showing a number of games on TV which is also helping the fanbase!
[/quote]



We'll see

 

[redunderthebed]

This is a great step forward.........hopefully the the E in ESL doesnt mean english it means european one day.I hope they take this opportunity for new markets not just add another 2 clubs from Northern England.



Celtic Crusaders for 2009!

 

[St Helens RLFC]

There has never been an "E" in Super League.

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

There has never been an "E" in Super League. [/b]

Was it not origionally known as Super League Europe when PSG were involved?

 

[melon]

There has never been an "E" in Super League. [/b]

I count 3.






:bana:

 

[redunderthebed]

There has never been an "E" in Super League. [/b]

I've always thought that the name was European Super League.

However they have always styled themselves as a pan-european league and it is the highest league in europe no?,

I might of got my facts muddled a bit but my point stands. :bana:

 

[St Helens RLFC]

To the best of my knowledge, it has never been called anything other than "The *insert sponsor* Super League"

 

[Lewisj23]

To the best of my knowledge, it has never been called anything other than "The *insert sponsor* Super League"
[/b]

First of all thanks to the staff etc for having me on TRF.

Anyway, i believe that expansion is a good thing for our game. Clubs other than the big 4 Leeds,Saints,Bulls,Wigan can actually challenge for the grand final and with no relegation all clubs can build and get better year on year.

 

[Cymro]

July 22nd will be the date they announce who has got what!

 

[Vambo]

Strong rumours that Celtic will make it. Some sections of the Welsh media seem convinced at least.

 

[SaintRabbit]

Strong rumours that Celtic will make it. Some sections of the Welsh media seem convinced at least.
[/b]

I certainly hope so. My money is on Salford and Celtic. A lot of people keep suggesting Widnes but I can't see it; too many on-loan players and recent financial problems. Plus the game needs to be spread into Wales. I watched Celtic play Widnes and i think they'll compete in SL after a little time to adjust.

 

[St Helens RLFC]

There's still a while to go yet but everyone seems to think that Celtic are going to be in the league and to be honest I am happy with that. Sure they'll get drubbed for a season or two but so did Les Cats and look at them now, they're flying. The RFL want to expand the game, and rightly so. I think the Crusaders are in.

As for the other spot... wow this is going to be tight. Salford and Widnes have both made watertight applications - but did you know that when added up Toulouse actually have a better score? I am fairly sure Salford will get it on the basis of a new stadium, and the fact that Widnes almost went under last winter. Widnes would offer an awful lot more than Salford but have too many loan signings I'd say.

There are going to be some ****** off people either way.

 

[SaintRabbit]

There's still a while to go yet but everyone seems to think that Celtic are going to be in the league and to be honest I am happy with that. Sure they'll get drubbed for a season or two but so did Les Cats and look at them now, they're flying. The RFL want to expand the game, and rightly so. I think the Crusaders are in.

As for the other spot... wow this is going to be tight. Salford and Widnes have both made watertight applications - but did you know that when added up Toulouse actually have a better score? I am fairly sure Salford will get it on the basis of a new stadium, and the fact that Widnes almost went under last winter. Widnes would offer an awful lot more than Salford but have too many loan signings I'd say.

There are going to be some ****** off people either way.
[/b]

Like me when Wigan keep their place

Seriously, think Widnes may have to wait until Celtic have had a go. The last thing the RFL will want is to let them in and for them to go bump again. the RFL will be very wary of it damaging the wider game. I don't think Toulouse were ever in with a shout, not this time anyway think it'll be even longer before they get their shot.

 

[St Helens RLFC]

I think the only way to encourage expansionism is to renegotiate the TV deals. There's no way that the RFL will give a license to Toulouse, there's too much to lose (ha ha) so they will swerve it.

But in order to make the sport stronger throughout Europe (the RFL's aim) then there needs to be a strong second tier of rugby league. They need to get a bigger TV deal for Super League and then an equivalent of the old Super League deal for the league below. That's the only way those that miss out will get better - if they can afford to be professional.

 

[SaintRabbit]

I think the only way to encourage expansionism is to renegotiate the TV deals. There's no way that the RFL will give a license to Toulouse, there's too much to lose (ha ha) so they will swerve it.

But in order to make the sport stronger throughout Europe (the RFL's aim) then there needs to be a strong second tier of rugby league. They need to get a bigger TV deal for Super League and then an equivalent of the old Super League deal for the league below. That's the only way those that miss out will get better - if they can afford to be professional.
[/b]

Absolutely genius. :bravo:

Can't see the RFL going down that route though as they may have to remove some of clubs from SL to make it attractive, poss Wakey. And then the RFL would have to consider a reintroduction of relegation/promotion from Superleague 1 to Superleague 2. Would would go into SL 2 to start it though?

I'm not so sure they'd need to renegotiate, they could put a tender out and maybe invite Setanta in to do it. Which teams to make it us though? Certainly food for thought.