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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.
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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.”

10 teams in SL how boring.

Wouldn't worry Willzay unless our club takes a totally different path than the one over the last few seasons we will be one of the four relegated.
That for me should be treated as a wake up call.

They would have to take a different route go part time

On the face of it it seems a pretty fair scheme. I agree, Trinity are likely to be one of the "Four" to go down, but let's face facts, it's only been at the misfortune of others that we are still in SL.. We'll just have to take it on the chin and make ourselves noticed in the second tier.

We could of course take the opportunity to use our existing place in SL to strengthen the squad and change our coach. It is time for the club to invest or face relegation with a loss of central funding and starting from scratch. I am sure if we were relegated Chester would be the first to leave.
We have been lucky in recent seasons but now is the time to give luck some support with a better squad and coach.

To an extent, fighting for promotion in a league of 10 decent clubs would be more exciting than wondering every year whether we'll get relegated. Let's face it, in a top flight of 10, we would get relegated at some point. Fairly quickly, probably. For me, the prospect of relegation was fear of the consequences. If it is into a decent league with decent funding, it might work out okay.

I've not supported the club for over 50 years to be happy with crumbs off the top table. I want to see some success before I snuff it FFS. Otherwise I have wasted a large proportion of my life.

And we'll get it under the current structure?

I'm not saying I want a new structure, but the health of the game is dependent on the health of the top flight, as that is what will attract sponsors and better media coverage. If you don't want a top flight of ten because then we'll be feeding off the top-table crumbs, it sounds like your idea of success is finishing eleventh,

The point I was making that as things stand, relegation would be calamitous, but relegation into a better funded league of ten good clubs would be better than relegation as it currently exists. We will go down eventually if we continue as we are.

10 teams in SL any body who is watching SL on TV at present thinks there is 5 Leeds, Hull, Wires, Wigan Catalan .that's boring .The worry for S L .should be the standed between the top and bottom as far as mistakes and fast open rugby is not a lot .and it's only owners willing to throw more money into a club that is thousands of pounds in det on so called top players that is the difference between the top and bottom

10 teams would be horrific playing each other 3 times would be boring. Also the championship has improved in recent years and it's been quite exciting.
14 team league for me. Relegation/promotion games back on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.
Mpg still where championship playoff 2nd place faces 2nd bottom of SL at the championship clubs ground.
Generating excitement and also fairness for teams in the championship. We have taken a hit with covid and games on crazy midweek days.
Let's just create this layout would be fab.
The game lacks promotion and we need to get rid of the stupid bans where players get 3 games for nothing absolutely moronic with this covid going on.
It's not rocket science.

“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.”
So that’s more loop fixtures then.
I just don’t think this solves the problem of the same 3 or 4 teams slugging it out every season ie. boring leading to reduction of interest and attendances.
I’d have 16 teams in SL split in to 2 conferences East and West (call them what you want), the current 12 plus the top 4 from the Champs. Something like;
West ~ Saints, Wigan, Warrington, Salford, Leigh, Catalans, Toulouse, Widnes
East ~ Cas, Hull, Hull KR, Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield, Featherstone, Bradford
(Just chose the 4 Champ clubs at random, it would be the top 4 at the end of the season)
Teams in each conference play each other home and away and play each team from the other conference either home or away = 22 games
Lots of tasty derby matches plus one offs against “big” teams in the other conference. Play offs between top 4 in each conference eg West 1 v East 4 etc - straightforward knockout (no fannying around with second chances).
I know there’s the issue of funding but clubs need to focus on increasing their crowds and not being reliant on Sky money. More local derby matches and only occasional visits from eg. Wigan, Leeds, Saints = more interest and bigger crowds.
There, job done.