SUPER LEAGUE TO STAY AT 14

Clubs have voted to stick with 14 teams in Engage Super League from 2012.

The League was expanded from 12 clubs ahead of the 2009 season, when automatic promotion and relegation was scrapped and three-year licences were given to newcomers Celtic Crusaders and Salford City Reds.

However, the recent economic downturn prompted calls for an about-turn, the argument being that clubs would receive more central funding if the pot was split 12 ways instead of 14.

Rugby Football League chief executive Nigel Wood sparked a debate over the make-up of Super League at the launch of the new season in London last month and the issue topped the agenda at Monday's meeting with club representatives to discuss future strategy.

Although no voting details have been disclosed, the League say that clubs decided to keep 14 teams, at least through to 2014 when the licences next come up for renewal.

The news will be a relief to clubs in danger of failing to meet minimum standards but, with a Co-operative Championship club almost certain to be promoted in 2012, there will be no reprieve for one Super League outfit.

Castleford, Salford, St Helens and Wakefield have all been warned to follow up on their pledges to move to new stadia or face the consequences.

A decision on the next set of licences is due to be made in the summer of 2011 and so far three Championship clubs - Widnes, Barrow and Halifax - have earned the right to seek promotion.

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