As well as confirming that Super League will head to 15 teams in 2027, the game’s governing body has also revealed changes to the salary cap and financial sustainability rulings.

A statement was made on Wednesday morning confirming that the competition will increase for the second year running, and that criteria will be set out for clubs to follow before a panel will judge who is deemed worthy enough to join the top flight.

That team is heavily expected to be the London Broncos, who won everything on offer to them in the Championship last season. However, all teams that fit the criteria will be able to apply.

As well as that revelation, Super League (Europe) Ltd also agreed to amend a salary cap ruling, which will grant clubs dispensation for long-term injuries.

Any player who suffers an injury or illness that results in missing eight consecutive matches will be removed from the salary cap for the period that they are injured. Once that player returns, they will rejoin the salary cap and will only get dispensation if another eight-week injury or longer occurs.

The aim is to ensure that clubs can bring in a replacement player to cover the injury, rather than forcing the club to rely on youth players who may not be ready for week-to-week Super League.

In addition, a new regulation was approved at a meeting of the competition’s shareholders.

A dispensation for young players has been confirmed, allowing sides to trial younger players in 2027 without putting significant pressure on the club’s salary cap.

To qualify, players must be aged 23 and under on January 1 of the season they play and not have played any salary cap-relevant match in any previous season for any club.

Qualifying players will be able to play two matches without it counting against a club’s salary cap. If they play between three and five, they would count on the cap at 50% of their salary cap value. Any further matches would mean they increase to full cap value.

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