Salford absent as RFL confirms Super League expansion applicants

Salford Red Devils are not among the nine clubs to have submitted formal applications to be considered for the Super League's expansion to 14 teams in 2026.

The Rugby Football League (RFL) revealed the final list of applicants on Monday, but Salford, who remain mired in financial struggles, have not joined fellow current Super League sides Huddersfield Giants and Hull FC in applying.

The other seven clubs that want to be considered for the two-team expansion come from the second-tier Championship division.

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They are Bradford Bulls, Doncaster, London Broncos, Oldham, Toulouse Olympique, Widnes Vikings, York Knights.

The composition of the 2026 Super League will be confirmed on October 16, with the club grading process confirming the first 12 positions, before a panel decides whether there are sufficiently strong applications to add two further clubs.

More to follow...