Leading Rugby League officials, including the interim Super League Chair Ken Davy and the RFL’s Chief Executive Ralph Rimmer, held initial discussions on the July 1st, to review the challenges the game has faced as a result of the pandemic and the exciting opportunities which now lie ahead for Rugby League.

Davy and Rimmer were joined in Huddersfield by club representatives from the Betfred Super League, Championship and League 1 and covered a wide range of topics.

Ralph Rimmer said: “For more than a year, the sport has been focused on survival, as we have confronted the unique challenges of Covid-19. Those challenges remain, but we must also look to the future.

“One positive of the pandemic has been a reminder of the imperative of working collectively for the good of the game as a whole. On the evidence of yesterday’s meeting, that will serve us well.”

Ken Davy said: “Since I was appointed interim Chair of Super League by my fellow Board members in March, I have consistently stressed the need for the sport to work collectively, not only to come through the current challenges in good shape but also to ensure we take maximum advantage of the bright future ahead for the sport of Rugby League.

“That is why I have instigated the process of realignment discussions with the RFL, and today’s meeting, whilst not directly part of that process, was a valuable step in the right direction as it involved representatives of the Betfred Super League clubs, the Championship and League 1 and resulted in a very useful and helpful exchange of views.

“As I announced earlier this week, the realignment discussions between the SLE and the RFL will start this month and I am confident that we are all going to be working towards creating a positive and successful outcome which will benefit all concerned.”

*Also in attendance were: Jon Flatman, York City Knights Chairman; Paul King, Salford Red Devils Executive Chairman; Paul Lakin, Hull Kingston Rovers CEO; Andy Mazey, Rochdale Hornets Chairman; Kevin Nicholas, Batley Bulldogs Chairman.