Bradford Bulls to Remain in Super League

Bradford Bulls Super League fate has been resolved with the rugby league team remaining in League, at least for the next 12 months.

The Bulls effectively forfeited their three-year Super League licence, which was awarded just over 12 months ago, by going into administration on June 26. 

Bradford’s future was secured a fortnight ago when local restaurant owner Omar Khan agreed a deal to buy the club from the administrators and they were granted a probationary 12-month licence to stay in the top flight.

RFL chief executive Nigel Wood said: “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.”

The announcement, which came three days after Khan’s takeover was ratified by the RFL, will enable the new administrators to make plans to take the club forward, although they will do so without head coach Mick Potter after he confirmed he would be returning to Australia.

Although Bradford’s membership of the RFL was restored earlier this week, there were fears the club would have to undergo a mini-round of licensing in order to allow leading the Championship clubs to press their case for promotion over the Bulls.

But Khan and honorary chairman Gerry Sutcliffe were given news of the licence this afternoon, along with the other Super League clubs, who had earlier agreed to stick with 14 teams for 2013.

Wood added: “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.”