Joy for Castleford Tigers, Bradford Bulls and Hull KR as RFL reverse controversial decision over elite academy licences
Posted: Fri Jun 04, 2021 5:30 pm
Castleford Tigers - along with Bradford Bulls and Hull KR - have retained their elite academy licence following a u-turn by the RFL.
Last month the club were told they would not be allowed to run an elite academy side for five years from 2022, sparking outrage across the game.
But the RFL have now backed down and awarded ‘probationary elite licences’ to Tigers, Bulls and Hull KR, who all currently operate an elite academy but were told they would be excluded from the end of this season.
The probationary licences are initially for a two-year period, from 2022-23 and the RFL say the clubs’ progress during that period will be kept under regular review.
The governing body have also pledged to work with Leigh Centurions and Salford Red Devils, whose had hoped to launch elite academies from next year, to consolidate their development academies, and develop their surrounding community playing base.
The decision to award elite licences for 2022-27 to 10 clubs – Catalans Dragons, Huddersfield Giants, Hull FC, Leeds Rhinos, London Broncos, Newcastle Thunder, St Helens, Wakefield Trinity, Warrington Wolves and Wigan Warriors – is unaffected.
In a club statement, Tigers’ managing director Mark Grattan said: “After a tremendous amount of dialogue over the last fortnight, we are delighted to be able to announce that Castleford Tigers academy has its justly deserved elite status.
“Castleford Tigers will work with the RFL over the next two years to ensure that our elite academy licence will remain with the club for the next six years, as the sport of rugby league at all levels has a duty to grow the community game and increase the player participation pool.
Head of youth performance Darren Higgins added: “After a very difficult two weeks, the retention of Castleford’s elite academy licence is fantastic news and will allow the club to continue its youth development provision, which has continually progressed year on year.
“Every member of our 45-strong staffing structure will continue to work hard to provide the best possible environment for our aspiring young players and we look forward to seeing even more of our Academy products progressing through the ranks and playing first team rugby at Castleford Tigers.”
Dave Rotheram, the RFL’s chief on-field officer, said: “We are pleased it has been possible to reach this agreement for the benefit of all, while respecting the process that led to the initial decision.
The RFL will work with all five clubs to address their specific circumstances.
All have responded to these challenges with impressive energy, which has earned these opportunities.
“There is a recognition by all now that elite should mean elite and that everyone involved has a responsibility to protect and grow the sport from community right through to the professional ranks and our national teams.
“That means either restricting the number of full-time licensed academies or demonstrating an ability to increase the pool of players available for them.
“That is now the challenge for the whole game and one in which all clubs recognise they must play their part, with the increase in standards of academies a key part of that.
The standards will not be diluted and every academy licence holder will be held to account under the terms of the licence agreement.”
https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/r ... es-3262056
Last month the club were told they would not be allowed to run an elite academy side for five years from 2022, sparking outrage across the game.
But the RFL have now backed down and awarded ‘probationary elite licences’ to Tigers, Bulls and Hull KR, who all currently operate an elite academy but were told they would be excluded from the end of this season.
The probationary licences are initially for a two-year period, from 2022-23 and the RFL say the clubs’ progress during that period will be kept under regular review.
The governing body have also pledged to work with Leigh Centurions and Salford Red Devils, whose had hoped to launch elite academies from next year, to consolidate their development academies, and develop their surrounding community playing base.
The decision to award elite licences for 2022-27 to 10 clubs – Catalans Dragons, Huddersfield Giants, Hull FC, Leeds Rhinos, London Broncos, Newcastle Thunder, St Helens, Wakefield Trinity, Warrington Wolves and Wigan Warriors – is unaffected.
In a club statement, Tigers’ managing director Mark Grattan said: “After a tremendous amount of dialogue over the last fortnight, we are delighted to be able to announce that Castleford Tigers academy has its justly deserved elite status.
“Castleford Tigers will work with the RFL over the next two years to ensure that our elite academy licence will remain with the club for the next six years, as the sport of rugby league at all levels has a duty to grow the community game and increase the player participation pool.
Head of youth performance Darren Higgins added: “After a very difficult two weeks, the retention of Castleford’s elite academy licence is fantastic news and will allow the club to continue its youth development provision, which has continually progressed year on year.
“Every member of our 45-strong staffing structure will continue to work hard to provide the best possible environment for our aspiring young players and we look forward to seeing even more of our Academy products progressing through the ranks and playing first team rugby at Castleford Tigers.”
Dave Rotheram, the RFL’s chief on-field officer, said: “We are pleased it has been possible to reach this agreement for the benefit of all, while respecting the process that led to the initial decision.
The RFL will work with all five clubs to address their specific circumstances.
All have responded to these challenges with impressive energy, which has earned these opportunities.
“There is a recognition by all now that elite should mean elite and that everyone involved has a responsibility to protect and grow the sport from community right through to the professional ranks and our national teams.
“That means either restricting the number of full-time licensed academies or demonstrating an ability to increase the pool of players available for them.
“That is now the challenge for the whole game and one in which all clubs recognise they must play their part, with the increase in standards of academies a key part of that.
The standards will not be diluted and every academy licence holder will be held to account under the terms of the licence agreement.”
https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/r ... es-3262056
) and keep them all happy, and we wonder why there is so much disillusion within the fan base