Fastest Man competition set to return

Rugby League’s fastest man competition will be making a return during the Rugby League 9s finals day.

One player from each of the competing teams will take part in a race across the entire length of the Headingley Stadium pitch.

Jodie Broughton won last year’s competition after a tense photo-finish with Leeds’ Ben Jones-Bishop.

Broughton said: “It was fantastic to win Fastest Man at last year’s final it’s a nice accolade to have.

“Rugby League 9s is a great tournament, it’s fast and entertaining and with the festivals taking place on a Tuesday nights it means fans can watch Rugby League during the week which is always a bonus.”

The ‘Powerplay’ rule will also return during this year’s Rugby League 9s tournament, giving teams a one-play opportunity to score an additional try rather than kick a conversion following a score. A try scored from a power play will be worth four points.

RFL chief operating officer Ralph Rimmer said: “The Powerplay rule offers an exciting aspect to the Rugby League 9s tournament. It provides teams with the opportunity to produce high scoring matches in a short amount of time.”

The first of this season’s Rugby League 9s will take place on Tuesday, May 29. Four festivals will take place at Wilderspool Stadium in Warrington, Aldershot Military Stadium in Hampshire, Craven Park in Hull and the Big Fellas Stadium in Featherstone.