Bradford Bulls' Super League future secure for 12 months

Bradford Bulls will remain in Super League on a one year probationary period, the RFL have announced.

The decision of the RFL’s independent board of directors was relayed to Bradford Bulls and the sport’s other member clubs earlier today and ends the uncertainty that has surrounded the structure of both Super League and the Championship competitions in recent months.

Bradford Bulls were reinstated as full members of the RFL earlier this week after the club’s new owner provided all the financial information required for the governing body to complete its due diligence process.

RFL Chief Executive Nigel Wood said: “This is a very positive development which provides stability for all the clubs in Super League and the Championship and allows the sport to approach next season with even greater confidence.

“The Board deliberated long and hard and took into consideration the many views of the sport’s various constituents before reaching a decision which we believe is in the best interests of the whole game.

“The new owners of Bradford Bulls are to be congratulated on their foresight in purchasing a club which we always knew was a very attractive proposition. Their investment in Bradford Bulls is a vote of confidence in Super League.

“A probationary licence allows us to closely monitor the performance of Bradford Bulls next season and develop a view on what direction we take in future years. That direction will be framed by the ongoing strategic policy review that we expect to present to clubs in the first half of 2013.

“The probationary licence also precludes the need for a mini-licensing round, which the overwhelming majority of clubs accept was impractical given the timeframes involved.

“The RFL Board and Executive will continue to work with all member clubs to build on the terrific progress we have experienced in 2012.”

Bradford were deducted six points as a result of entering administration earlier this season. Their financial off field troubles have dominated the main stories throughout this year’s Super League season.

However the Bulls’ players missed out on a spot in the top eight play offs because of that six point deduction.

The announcement means Super League will remain a 14-team competition for 2013.