Quins chief backs Championship review

Correspondent

Harlequins Chief Executive Gus Mackay supports the Championships review arguing that a broader base below Super League will benefit the whole sport.

Gus Mackay said: “I think the idea of opening up the Championships is good for the game and good for Super League.

“It broadens your base at grassroots level and that, coupled with moving the game in totality to line up with Super League in terms of being a summer sport; it’s a massive plus for the younger generation and the development of the game at grass roots.

“Giving teams the opportunity to become Super League clubs is only healthy and everyone over a period of time has the opportunity to become a Super League club providing you meet the criteria. I’m very keen on pathways both for clubs and player development.”

Zimbabwe-born Mackay who joined Harlequins RL in 2010 also believes that Rugby League will also benefit from the switch of the community game to a March – November playing season.

He said: “A lot of positives come from playing in better weather and it just aligns everything up to being united and uniform.”

Expressions of interest are now being sought by the RFL from any clubs in the UK that are interested in joining the Co-operative Championships between 2012 and 2015.

The RFL intends to further expand the Co-operative Championships during this period and the initial deadline for Expression of interest submissions from clubs is 12pm on April 11.