Bradford Bulls to stay in Super League

The decision was relayed to the Bulls and the sport’s other member clubs earlier today and ends the uncertainty that has surrounded the structure of both Super League and the Championship competitions in recent months.

Bradford - whose top flight future was in doubt after entering administration in June - were reinstated as full members of the RFL earlier this week after the club’s new owner Omar Khan provided all the financial information required for the governing body to complete its due diligence process.

They still could have been thrown out of Super League for their insolvency issues but the RFL decision means Khan will now be able to push on with plans for next term and look to secure the futures of their star players.

Championship club Halifax, who hoped to win a licence if Bradford were demoted, are sure to be irked but it seems the majority of Super League clubs were in favour of retaining the four-times champions and the governing body has taken this on board.

RFL chief executive Nigel Wood said: “This is a very positive development which provides stability for all the clubs in Super League and the Championship and allows the sport to approach next season with even greater confidence.

“The Board deliberated long and hard and took into consideration the many views of the sport’s various constituents before reaching a decision which we believe is in the best interests of the whole game.

“The new owners of Bradford Bulls are to be congratulated on their foresight in purchasing a club which we always knew was a very attractive proposition. Their investment in Bradford Bulls is a vote of confidence in Super League.

“A probationary licence allows us to closely monitor the performance of Bradford Bulls next season and develop a view on what direction we take in future years. That direction will be framed by the ongoing strategic policy review that we expect to present to clubs in the first half of 2013.

“The probationary licence also precludes the need for a mini-licensing round, which the overwhelming majority of clubs accept was impractical given the timeframes involved.

“The RFL Board and Executive will continue to work with all member clubs to build on the terrific progress we have experienced in 2012.”