Super League reveals criteria of how 12th spot will be taken

Super League have confirmed initial criteria of how the competition’s vacant 12th spot will be filled in 2021.

Canadian club Toronto Wolfpack failed in their bid to be re-admitted into Super League next season, so the 12th spot is currently vacant.

Clubs who want to apply to take Toronto’s place must have finished in the top six of the Championship within the previous two seasons to be eligible for entry.

Leigh, London Broncos, Bradford, Featherstone, York, Toulouse, Widnes and Halifax are the eight clubs who are eligible to enter proceedings about taking the 12th spot.

Lord Jonathan Caine, the vice chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group, will chair a seven-strong panel consisting of three members from each of the Rugby Football League and Super League Europe.

The full application process and criteria will be distributed to clubs and published on Thursday, November 12. The deadline for applications is the morning of Monday, November 30.

A decision is scheduled to be made by Wednesday, December 16 – but that deadline could be extended in specific circumstances.

The RFL say they will communicate shortly with League 1 clubs about the implications of the vacancy created in the Championship, which will mean the 2021 season begins with two fewer clubs than previously expected.

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