Hunslet secure Championship future

Hunslet’s Championship future has been secured after issues with the capacity of their South Leeds Stadium home were resolved.

The revised guidelines from the RFL for the 2013 season require clubs to have a minimum ground capacity of 3000, but the Hawks’ home had been able to hold just 2450.

A club statement said: “Following positive discussions with Leeds City Council a risk assessment has been undertaken to assess the feasibility of utilising the grass banking opposite the main stand for spectator purposes on match days. Whilst the assessment clearly showed that temporary barriers and additional stewards would be required to make the space suitable it concluded that the grass banking could hold up to 1000 spectators safely. 

“Following further discussions with the RFL we are pleased to announce that they have accepted that the ground capacity at JCCS now stands at 3450, allowing us to compete in the Championship next season.

“We would like to thank the Council and the RFL for their support in this process.”

The Hawks have also began discussions with Leeds City Council about extending their lease to play at the stadium, which is due to end in 2015.