Featherstone Rovers confirm Super League application

One club will be promoted from the Championship to replace Toronto Wolfpack after the Canadian club's application to rejoin the competition was rejected.

Only clubs who were in Super League or finished in the Championship's top six in 2018 or 2019 are eligible to apply and a decision is expected by the middle of next month.

Rovers chief executive Davide Longo said: “I can confirm that the club will be submitting a bid for the 12th position in Super League.

“We believe we can offer an application as strong as any that highlights Featherstone Rovers as the best example outside of Super League of a club that has maintained a sustainable model whilst still being competitive on the pitch over the past decade.

“Furthermore, the club has developed the stadium, training facilities and off-field infrastructure that is compatible to many Super League sides."

Longo insisted: “Speaking to our supporters, many still feel begrudged from when Rovers were removed from the top flight in 1994-95, despite not being in the original four relegation positions at the time.

“Alongside this, the club were denied a Super League place after winning the Grand Final in 2011, during a period where we won the league four consecutive times.

“Since then the club has developed a model that is worthy of top flight status while consistently performing at the highest level outside of Super League.

"In 2019, we finished runners-up to Toronto, giving us the best argument for the 12th spot on merit.

"Featherstone Rovers will present the best possible application for the panel to consider and we look forward to the outcome.”

Support the YEP and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news and the latest on Leeds United, With a digital subscription, you see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.