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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.
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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.”

Merge the Robins and the Airlie Birds ... some say the English Civil War began in Hull.

I love it when I hear their pretexts for the change and remember these are the same people who've consistently argued that the stupid number of games we play as necessary for economic survival. They're as trustworthy as the Tories and as reliable as the Labour party. This is a plan to ensure the few survive at the top because they're bereft of ideas and unable to persevere beyond 5 minutes with whatever they try.

Mergers are a red herring.

I struggle to watch much Rugby Union these days and ,maybe,we deluded ourselves into thinking we could somehow overtake them in popularity.
I don’t watch much other than just the occasional International and generally the British Lions.
They have their money problems too,big time, but every day they have about 8 pages in the Times,which I fast forward and the seriousness and insight into last Saturdays game was so impressive.
The product,ie the game on the field,was certainly crap in the first half and quite exciting in the second. The rules are far too complex and make it a players game rather than ideal for supporters.
The point is they have a different yet inferior product and have created a momentum that is now impossible to stop.
What’s my point ?
We’re progressing backwards at an alarming rate towards the days of Eddie Waring and small town parochialism whereas they’re accelerating along with other elite sports.
Ken Davey is a good man and I have nothing but admiration for his devotion.
I look at Ralph Rimmer and,before him,Nigel Wood and I despair.

Red54 I think you’d get on well with the NRL

I honestly can’t see how reducing the areas the have is played in can possibly help the sport. The wider your catchment area the more good players that will be found. Look at the prem. full of overseas players and the England team has never been stronger because they’ve invested in youth and started thinking long term 20 years ago. RL leaders can’t look beyond the end of next week

What is a fact the game is in a mess,it as been like that for the last 25 years we had the first vision of Barcelona and Milan Paris London and who noes where. To be at the mercy of sky because in affect they are now running the show some would say a s**t show.