Rugby League News | Clubs apply to join extended Super League

The Super League will have 14 teams next season

The Rugby Football League has confirmed that nine clubs have formally applied to take part in the soon to be expanded competition.

Author | Sophie T

Pre match fireworks at Leigh Leopards

In a statement, the governing body said Huddersfield Giants and Hull FC, both current members of Super League, submitted applications ahead of last Friday’s deadline. They are joined by seven Championship sides: Bradford Bulls, Doncaster, London Broncos, Oldham, Toulouse Olympique, Widnes Vikings and York Knights.

The make-up of the 2026 competition will be announced on Thursday 16 October. Twelve places will be allocated via the IMG club grading system, with a seven-person panel to decide on whether to admit two additional clubs.

The panel will be chaired by Lord Caine and includes Tony Sutton, the outgoing RFL chief executive, and Rhodri Jones, managing director of Rugby League Commercial.

Warrington Wolves

Castleford Tigers have confirmed they did not submit an application to join next season’s Super League, saying they are confident their IMG score will be sufficient to secure a place.

In January, Castleford were among nine clubs awarded Grade A status by the RFL, a designation that guarantees Super League participation. The same system saw Wakefield Trinity promoted to the top flight this year at the expense of London Broncos.

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Clubs will be reassessed annually, with Grade A status required to remain in Super League. Alongside the five standing pillars of fandom, performance, finances, stadium and community, the RFL panel will also assess applications against two further criteria: financial sustainability and playing strength.

The governing body said this would include financial performance in 2025, detailed forecasts for the 2026 to 2028 seasons, and the ability of clubs to field competitive teams from 2026 onwards.