Clubs eligible for promotion confirmed

Following the completion of a full assessment process, the RFL can confirm that Hull Kingston Rovers, Leigh Centurions and Widnes Vikings are eligible for promotion to the engage Super League if they win the 2006 LHF Healthplan National League One Grand Final.

In the course of the assessment, six clubs from LHF National League One applied to the RFL to be considered for promotion. Two of these subsequently withdrew their applications and the RFL were forced to decline the submission from Whitehaven.

This was done on the grounds that neither Whitehaven?s stadium facilities nor the club?s business documentation met the required standard for engage Super League membership. These minimum standards criteria were presented to the whole game at the RFL Council in February 2005.

Commenting on the process, the RFL Chief Operating Officer Nigel Wood said: "This assessment of LHF National League One clubs is an important element of the sport?s collective desire to ensure that the appropriate high standards are maintained within the engage Super League competition by any new member clubs.

"We believe the process has been both fair and helpful to all clubs involved in highlighting areas within their organisations for further development. The RFL Club Support Unit will continue to work with all of them to share best practice and aid them as much as possible."

Source: superleague.co.uk