RFL approves Bradford deal
The RFL has agreed to a deal from a consortium to form a new club in Bradford for the 2017 campaign.
The Bradford Bulls went into administration in November and were liquidated on January 3.
The RFL is yet to identify the consortium with the winning consortium, but is believed New Zealand businessman Andrew Chalmers is behind it.
The governing body said in a statement: “The RFL is pleased to announce that an agreement has been reached with a consortium to create a new professional Rugby League club in Bradford.
“Following a thorough review and consultation with potential owners throughout the week, the RFL Board approved a decision to offer membership of the League to a consortium that it believes offers an exciting and stable future for Rugby League in Bradford.
“As previously communicated, the new club will begin the 2017 season in the Kingstone Press Championship on minus 12 points.
“The owners will arrive at Odsal early next week and will at that point speak with former players, staff and relevant stakeholders before holding a press conference to reveal their identity and outline their vision for the future.”
RFL Director of Operations and Legal, Karen Moorhouse, said: “The last few weeks have been extremely difficult for all those involved, particularly the former players, staff and families of Bradford Bulls.
“They have conducted themselves with complete professionalism and integrity throughout this period.
“The RFL is confident that the consortium selected to run a new club in Bradford will provide an exciting and stable future for Rugby League in the city.
“They outlined a strong vision, have relevant and extensive experience and we are confident that they offer the best opportunity to take a new club forward.
“We have always said that the city of Bradford needs and deserves a Rugby League club that it can be proud of and we believe this new club can deliver that.”
Chalmers, who has sat on the board of the Salford Red Devils, previously had a bid for the Bulls denied by the administrator.
But his proposal has now won out over three others for Bradford.
In the past Chalmers was the chairman of the New Zealand Rugby League.
The new Bradford club will start the Championship season minus 12 points and play their home games at Odsal.
According to reports former NZ, Manly and Wigan coach Graham Lowe is also part of Chalmer’s group.