A “rushed” decision to expand the Super League is creating a dangerous ripple effect that threatens to destabilise not just the top flight, but the entire sport of rugby league. Clubs are warning that the Rugby Football League’s (RFL) failure to conduct a robust process could have far-reaching and damaging consequences for years to come.
The first ripple is being felt within the Super League itself, with the expansion plan causing a major internal rift and sparking fears of financial decline. The immediate effect is one of instability and conflict, creating a negative environment at the pinnacle of the sport.
The second ripple will affect the clubs seeking promotion. The compressed timeline for assessing applications means the vetting process may be superficial. This could lead to the admission of clubs that are not ready, setting them up for failure and creating a damaging cycle of promotion and financial collapse. This damages the integrity of the promotion pathway.
A third ripple could impact the lower leagues. If Super League clubs are forced to go part-time due to reduced funding, it will narrow the gap between the top flight and the divisions below. While this may seem positive, it would represent a lowering of the sport’s overall professional standards and ambitions, potentially affecting future broadcast deals and sponsorships for the entire game.
The clubs calling for a pause are trying to stop these ripples at their source. They argue that a decision of this magnitude cannot be rushed precisely because of its potential to create these wide-ranging, negative effects. They are advocating for a more considered approach that takes into account the health of the entire rugby league ecosystem, not just the short-term structure of its top division.
