Leigh Centurions have beaten Bradford Bulls, Toulouse, London Broncos, York and Featherstone for a place in Super League 2021 after their extensive application impressed the panel who voted unanimously for them
Monday 14 December 2020 19:51, UK
Leigh Centurions will play in Betfred Super League in 2021 following the unanimous decision of an independent panel led by Lord Caine.
The process to invite a 12th team to play in 2021 began on November 2 after the rejection of Toronto Wolfpack's application to return to the competition following their withdrawal from the 2020 season.
Leigh submitted a 430-page booklet to back up their bid containing extensive statistics on season ticket sales and attendances, examples of the club's work in the community developing rugby league, and detailed breakdowns of their digital and social media footprint.
Bradford Bulls, Toulouse, London Broncos, Featherstone and York also applied for entry into Super League with the panel considering the following criteria:
Panel chairman Lord Caine said: "I was determined from the outset that this process should be robust and conducted to the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and on the basis of 'rigorous impartiality' between each of the applicants.
"I am more than satisfied that this was the case.
"Each application was judged strictly but fairly against the agreed criteria that were circulated to clubs and published in November.
"All of the applications were of high quality and I would like to pay tribute to the clubs for the energy and effort they have put into this exercise in what was of necessity a very short time period."
Leigh Centurions have twice played in Super League before, in 2005 and most recently in 2017.
Super League Executive Chairman Robert Elstone added: "Six weeks after Super League clubs chose to return to a 12-team format, we are delighted to welcome Leigh Centurions to our 2021 competition.
"The independent panel was impressed by Centurions' application which scored highly on all published criteria, and it is a credit to everyone at the club that they were able to produce such a comprehensive submission in such a demanding timeframe.
"The club has a number of top-class players with Super League experience, a great stadium and a passionate and committed fan base, all of which will add to the 2021 competition.
"I would like to thank Lord Caine for leading the process. It has been robust and well-managed and the unanimity of the panel's decision points to both the strength of Leigh Centurions' bid and the alignment between Super League and The RFL.
"The late and unexpected withdrawal of Toronto Wolfpack presented Super League with many challenges, in a uniquely difficult season.
"We have dealt with them expediently, comprehensively and objectively and I am pleased we can now look forward to another exciting Super League in 2021."
Ralph Rimmer, the RFL Chief Executive, said: "Congratulations to Leigh Centurions, who will take the best wishes of all clubs in the Betfred Championship and League 1, as well as the Rugby Football League, as they prepare to return to the Super League in 2021.
"I know the five clubs whose Super League applications have been unsuccessful will be disappointed, but I also know they will be excited by the prospect of the Betfred Championship in 2021, especially following last week's decision to elevate Newcastle Thunder from Betfred League 1.
"The players and supporters of all clubs at this level have endured such a long and frustrating period without any action since the initial lockdown in March, but there is light at the end of the tunnel - and with a meeting of Championship and League 1 clubs later this week, we hope to be able to provide further details of the plans for 2021 very soon."
The Betfred Super League 2021 season will start on March 11.
