League structure plans delayed as two tens concept arrival given new date

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josie andrews
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League structure plans delayed as two tens concept arrival given new date

Post by josie andrews »

Exclusive: The implementation of the proposed 'two tens' league format has been pushed back.

The current league structure will remain unchanged heading into 2023 after plans to amend the system were put on hold for 12 months.

The Rugby Football League and Super League have delayed plans to introduce the proposed two divisions of ten format, which was expected to be introduced at the end of next year.

Instead, the aim is to now implement it in 2024, when the next TV deal will come into effect.

The implementation of the structure will be used as a selling point in negotiations for the new TV deal. Additionally, it gives clubs more time to plan accordingly for the structural changes while giving planners the opportunity to iron out the finer details in the coming months. One of the key issues surrounds the way in which they go from a 12-team Super League to ten teams.

Instead, the league structure will remain as it is next year. Promotion and relegation will remain in place, with the winners of the Championship replacing Super League's bottom side. Meanwhile, two teams will be relegated from the Championship, with the League 1 champions and play-off winners going the other way.

Earlier this year, proposals were drawn up to expand Super League to 14 teams for next season, with four teams then being relegated to create a ten-team Super League the year after. The four relegated teams would play in 'Super League 2' alongside the six highest-placed teams in the Championship.

However, that proposal was rejected by Super League, though there is a general appetite to eventually restructure and go to the ten-division format.

Championship and League 1 clubs were informed of the decision at a meeting held at The Shay on Wednesday. Some clubs are thought to be frustrated by the decision to delay the move having invested heavily in their squads to maximise their chances of being a part of the top 20 clubs next season.

Other clubs have welcomed the news as it gives them more time to prepare for what could be substantial changes in the years ahead.

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