RFL steps in to secure Odsal's future

The Rugby League has bought Odsal Stadium to safeguard its future. The former council tip has been the Bradford club's home since 1934 but the Bulls have recently been under pressure to sell to housing developers. They will now pay a market rent to the RFL to use it, with the League having paid an undisclosed price.

"This arrangement is absolutely the right thing to do, because it safeguards the future of one of the sport's most famous stadia," said the RFL chairman, Richard Lewis.

The new association representing Super League players, 1eague3, has applied to the RFL to be recognised as a body to be consulted over decisions on the game. There is already a players' union, run by the GMB trade union, but the new body says that it has 80 per cent of Super League players signed up.