Mat Shaw has just tweeted

A proposal has been tabled to increase Super League to 14 teams in 2022, followed by a huge restructure that would see Super League become two divisions of ten.

Rugby League Live can reveal that the proposal was revealed in a clubs meeting on Friday that could see another restructuring of the sport's divisions in time for the next broadcast deal in 2023.

There is thought to be an appetite to reduce the top flight to ten teams in the long term in an attempt to provide high-quality competition on a weekly basis for broadcasters while also strengthening the second-tier, which it is hoped would then bolster the attraction of a TV deal for the competition.

However, the proposal would see the top flight initially increase the number of teams, before relegating four teams in 2022. It is seen as the fairest way to remould the divisions in light of the impact Covid-19 is having on the season.

There's a growing belief that it would be unfair to relegate a team from Super League at the end of the season given the disruption that has been caused due to Covid-19. A large number of games are set to be unfulfilled due to the number of outbreaks across the competition, with the virus still causing postponements.

However, with the vast majority of Championship fixtures being fulfilled, there's also no valid reason to deny promotion from taking place at the culmination of the campaign. As such, the proposal is to promote two teams, to ensure an even number of teams are in the division next year.

Four teams would then be relegated next year and would be joined in the second tier by the six teams who finish highest in the next year's Championship.

Crucially, the gulf in distribution money between the two competitions would be significantly reduced. It's hoped that will make promotion and relegation more sustainable for clubs moving between the two divisions, while also closing the funding gap for the part-time clubs that would be in the second-tier.
One drawback of the proposal would be a lack of home games, with an 18-fixture format providing a guarantee of just nine home games per season. However, it's thought there are plans to ensure clubs can host further home fixtures.

The proposal is one of several on the table. Castleford Tigers' managing director, Mark Gratton, is said to have also tabled a proposal that clubs have been told to go and consider.

But sources at Championship level have been left encouraged by the meeting, with one admitting the distribution figures discussed weren't as bad as they had feared.
T
Clubs had been wary of a huge drop in funding due to the reduced Sky TV deal, however, with the restructure proposals in place, their funding would not be cut as significantly as they feared.

However, there is thought to be concern among clubs that may not make the top two divisions. As part of the proposal, funding would be significantly cut for teams not in the top two divisions.

Clubs have been left to consider the proposals on the table, with further consultation to take place next week.

RFL chief executive Ralph Rimmer said: “We are all – Super League Europe, clubs and the RFL – focused on the future. All of us involved in these discussions today want the very best for their clubs, players, fans and the whole game.

“The collective approach has been positive and constructive, and there will be further consultation with clubs in the coming days.”

Ken Davy, the interim Super League chairman, added: “The emphasis of today’s meeting was to provide a platform for discussion on several key areas of the sport, which can be the catalyst to drive the game forward in the coming years
The whole game approach to these discussions is testament to the importance placed on ensuring we deliver a compelling, long-lasting structure for the whole sport.

“The next two years are absolutely vital for the sport. We need to continue to make Rugby League an attractive sport to supporters, broadcasters, viewers and commercial partners.

“Ultimately, this sport is about the players on the pitch, and the excitement and drama they create.”

So it seems that SL club's have come to an agreement on this today, for now:

Super League clubs have voted in favour of retaining a 12-team competition next season, meaning promotion and relegation will go ahead as planned.

Clubs met again today to discuss the way forward for Super League with several proposals on the table, including expanding to 14 teams for the 2022 campaign.

However, Rugby League Live understands an agreement has been reached that will see the competition stay as it is, for next season at least.

There remains a strong appetite for two top divisions of 10 in 2023, although how that would be decided remains up in the air.

The immediate impact is on the bottom of Super League and the top of the Championship.

As planned, the Championship will run a top six play-off system that will conclude with the Million Pound Game to determine which club will replace the bottom side in Super League in 2022.

So after several meetings they’ve voted for the system that they previously thought wasn’t good enough (which is why they had the meetings in the first place) and the same one that Sky thinks isn’t producing enough good games. How very Rugby League.

Sorry, the just make option, should read just my opinion,

Unfortunately, the edit button seems to have disappeared