Whitehaven “disappointed” by reserves rejection

Whitehaven are disappointed to have their application to join the reserves competition rejected by the Rugby Football League.

The RFL and Super League announced in July that the reserves competition will be brought back from 2020.

The 11 English Super League clubs have approved a proposal for all top-level clubs to have a mandated reserve team from 2020. Bradford and Widnes – who have Category 1 funded academies – will also run second string sides.

League 1 sides Keighley and Whitehaven have had their applications turned down though.

In a statement released by Whitehaven, it read: “As has been recently reported, Whitehaven RLFC have had our application to enter the reserves setup rejected by the RFL.

“Although the club are highly disappointed by this, we respect the decision made and will continue to work with the RFL to ensure the club meets the demand set by the governing body.

“The club firmly believe a reserves and youth setup is vital for our long-term ambition of a Cumbrian-based sustainable and competitive Championship side.”

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