After the Rugby Football League (RFL) caused controversy yesterday with their Elite Academy License announcement yesterday, Hull Kingston Rovers have responded today with a damning statement.
The original statement said, “The 10 clubs awarded elite Academy Licences for 2022-27 are: Catalans Dragons, Huddersfield Giants, Hull FC, Leeds Rhinos, London Broncos, Newcastle Thunder, St Helens, Wakefield Trinity, Warrington Wolves, Wigan Warriors.
Clubs whose applications were unsuccessful have been provided with an explanation, and advised that they will be able to reapply in 2024.”
That left Castleford Tigers and Hull Kingston Rovers without a license, putting their respective Academies in jeopardy.
Rovers, however, released a statement this morning via their website that contrasts with this.
“Hull Kingston Rovers will today seek from the RFL an urgent independent review of its elite academy application,” the statement begins.
“The club consider its application strong and meritorious, and that one of the two remaining places left open by the process, should be granted to it.
At no stage before yesterday’s announcement, nor during the process, has the club received any feedback whatsoever on its application.
The club are overwhelmed with the levels of support over the last 24 hours from its friends within the game, including from within the local community game.
Equally though the club are deeply concerned by the devastating impact this decision has had on its staff and young players.
We will contest the decision as a matter of urgency.”
Regardless of support, the decision by the RFL has been widely condemned by all Rugby League fans as many are of the opinion that the organising body have made a huge error in doing this and others also feel the sport will rapidly decline on the back of this.
The RFL are yet to comment on Hull KR’s statement, but this will no doubt develop quickly over the next few days and weeks.