Super League to be reduced to 12 teams from 2015

The Rugby Football League have announced that Super League will be reduced to 12 teams from 2015 in a new-look format.

All 14 member clubs have backed the proposal to feature 12 clubs alongside a 12-team Championship that will be split into three groups of eight.

Super League chairman Brian Barwick said: "I would like to thank the clubs for their contribution to what was a very fruitful and positive meeting.

"The clubs were unanimous in their view that Super League should become a 12-team competition from 2015 and that there should be meaningful movement between Super League and the Championships. There was a full and frank debate about the competition structures and a commitment to support the proposed format."

The decision is expected to be ratified by an RFL independent board next week.