Relegation can be scrapped for ‘Category A’ Super League clubs beneath proposals by sports activities administration firm IMG after the game’s “most complete session ever”.
Rugby league’s strategic associate has proposed that top-flight clubs meet on and off-field standards to be assured their place within the league.
Among the opposite proposals is a joined-up calendar with worldwide matches.
There can be a push for a method to increase the ladies’s and ladies’ video games.
Not the entire clubs concerned in Super League would essentially be Category A graded, with highest-ranked Category B clubs making up the division.
Those clubs’ efficiency, when it comes to on-field and off-field standards, can be monitored on a yearly foundation to determine which clubs made up the elite Super League, as it’s presently identified.
The remaining clubs would fill the second and third tier divisions, presently the Championship and League One – with clubs persevering with to transfer between these leagues.
The variety of abroad clubs, corresponding to French sides Catalans Dragons and Toulouse – who have been each within the 2022 Super League – can be capped, and requirements imposed to help progress domestically.
Clubs could have probability to present suggestions on the proposals at a gathering on 13 October.
Other suggestions by IMG embrace:
- A re-positioned calendar which optimises circulation, narrative and engagement, incorporating common “peaks” of curiosity and a compelling season climax.
- Operations to be centralised the place this could maximise efficiencies and drive incremental income (e.g. ticketing and digital infrastructure).
- A brand new model technique to be launched and aligned with the above industrial technique.
‘Recognition of want for vital adjustments’ – what key stakeholders mentioned
Simon Johnson, chair of the Rugby Football League:
“This is a big day when it comes to setting out a brand new path for the game.
“It could be very a lot a route of journey in these top-line suggestions, with vital layers of element nonetheless to be labored by.
“But these proposals include each a recognition of the necessity to make vital adjustments to deal with a variety of challenges going through the game in any respect ranges, and proposals for these adjustments which have the potential to rework the method, temper and actuality of rugby league within the UK and past.”
Ken Davy, chair of Super League:
“Founded solidly on the realignment of Super League and the RFL this has been an all-encompassing course of carried out by IMG, with the entire key stakeholders throughout the sport enjoying vital roles in it.
“We would really like to thank the clubs, broadcasters, industrial companions and supporters which have contributed to IMG’s suggestions, which set out a brand new future for Rugby League and may take it in a daring and constructive route.
“At Super League we glance ahead to the subsequent stage of this complete course of, working in the direction of offering additional updates that can map out the game’s long-term future.”
IMG vice-president Matt Dwyer:
“Having now had the chance to dive deeper into the game, together with by consultations with all key stakeholders of the sport, our pleasure for this 12-year strategic partnership and what could be achieved has solely elevated.
“We have a novel alternative to alter the expansion trajectory of the game and we consider the suggestions we now have offered right now will present the muse for that progress and entice new funding into the sport.”
