Sporting Digest: Rugby League

Rugby Football League officials are to consider reverting to two divisions in 1998. The RFL Council decreed last month that any changes would not come into effect until 1999, but the newly reconstituted board of directors have asked Super League clubs to examine the possibility of scrapping three divisions with immediate effect.

Martin Crompton, Oldham Bears' scrum-half and captain, has joined Salford Reds on a two-year contract.

Barrow and Carlisle have agreed to a merger to form a new club based in Barrow: Barrow Border Raiders.

The Rugby Football League has appointed policy director Neil Tunnicliffe as its new deputy chief executive. The RFL has also appointed four associate directors, including former Wigan player Joe Lydon, to help form a new operational board responsible for running the day-to-day affairs of the professional game.