RESERVE sides may be admitted into rugby league’s third tier to bolster its ranks after a number of withdrawals.
Newcastle Thunder still hope to play in League One in 2024 after West Wales Raiders and London Skolars pulled out, leaving it with nine clubs at most.
Rugby League could be about to have a major revampRugby League
But SunSport has learned the game’s chiefs may admit second-string sides from Super League clubs to create a 12-team competition.
That is one of a number of solutions on the table, including a merger with the Championship – although its clubs are not keen.
Another would open the trapdoor at the bottom to two regionalised conferences in the amateur game, much like in Scottish football.
It is believed any reserve side admitted would not be eligible for promotion – similar to Spanish football where B teams cannot play in LaLiga – while others not included would be able to take a place in one of the conferences.
The impact of Covid-19 on finances and rising costs are cited as the reasons why the clubs have withdrawn.
Newcastle will tomorrow hold a ‘commitment meeting’ as it explores ways of surviving, despite announcing its intention to pull out following its relegation to League One.
Thunder said: “We’re now exploring ways to keep our club alive for the 2024 season and establish a solid foundation from which we can rebuild.
“We remain committed to trying to make the start line for the 2024 season.”
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And a joint statement from all nine League One clubs insists they will work with second tier sides to come to a solution as strategic partner IMG’s indicative grades are set to be announced.
It said: “League One clubs are united and remain committed to working with our governing body and our Championship colleagues to identify and implement the best possible league structure for 2024 and beyond.
“We are focused on driving an outcome which ultimately puts all member clubs outside of Super League on a level playing field, specifically in terms of the IMG grading criteria and an outcome in the best interests of driving a longer-term growth curve for the whole sport.”
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