Celtic and Salford to join Super League

The Rugby Football League have announced that Celtic Crusaders and Salford City Reds have been given licenses along with the existing Super League clubs.nnThe 14 clubs are guaranteed a place in the top flight for three years after which another license process will be carried out.nnThe decision means that Widnes Vikings miss out along with Leigh, Centurions, Halifax, Featherstone Rovers and Toulouse Olympique.nn“It was a difficult decision,” said RFL executive chairman Richard Lewis. “There were 19 good applications, but in the end there are going to be five disappointed clubs.”nnThe licenses were awarded after a period of deliberation by a five-man RFL panel which judged each club according to various criteria.nn“Salford City Reds are delighted,” said a club statement. “The club had every confidence in its licence application which was a comprehensive review of all aspects of club operations.” nnCrusaders chief executive Dave Thompson said: “What we’ve achieved over two and a half years has been incredible. nn“But we’ve only got to the starting line. We’ve got a lot of work to do in the next three years. The potential is huge. That’s why today is so important to us.”nnThe RFL are making plans to ensure that the National Leagues remain a vibrant competition and last November confirmed a National League side will be promoted in 2012.