Wigan Warriors’ success in winning the 2023 Grand Final saw them finish second, behind only Leeds Rhinos; St Helens, Catalans Dragons, Warrington Wolves, Hull KR and Hull FC also achieve Grade A status; Castleford Tigers are formally appealing their score
Last updated: 10/25/23 10:27 am
Leeds Rhinos achieved the highest score in a new Super League ratings process
Leeds Rhinos are among seven Betfred Super League clubs to have been awarded Grade A status in the indicative phase of the new club assessment process being introduced, with Castleford Tigers able to appeal their score.
Rhinos achieved the highest score of 17.49 out of the maximum available 20 points, after a detailed analysis of each club’s performance under five pillars: on-field performance, fandom, finance, stadium and community.
They are followed by three clubs with a distance of 0.14 points between them. Wigan Warriors’ success in winning the 2023 Grand Final moved them into second place on 16.87, ahead of St Helens in third on 16.78 and Catalans Dragons in fourth on 16.73.
Warrington Wolves are fifth on 15.75, and both Hull clubs have achieved A grades, with Hull KR sixth on 15.52 and Hull FC seventh on 15.05 – just above the 15-point threshold needed to get into the to be placed in the top class.
Castleford Tigers indicated to the RFL late on Tuesday that they wished to formally appeal their score of 12.16, which gives them a B grade, leaving them in 13th place and therefore at risk of losing their place in the Super League to lose.
That appeal will be considered by the RFL in the coming days and any changes made will be confirmed after that process.
London Broncos, who have just won promotion to the Super League for 2024, are in 24th place after a score of 8.07, making them the lowest of the 17 clubs awarded Grade B status.
Toulouse Olympique is currently the best performing club outside Super League, with a score of 12.97, which puts them in 10th place in the table, the third strongest Class B team.
- Fandom (5 points) – Clubs’ fan bases would be assessed in areas such as match attendance, TV viewership, social media followers and website visits
- On-field performance (5 points) – clubs would be ranked by league position in the last three seasons, with bonus points for winning the league and cup competitions
- Finances (4.5 points) – clubs would be rewarded for profitability, financial stability and diversification of revenue streams
- Stadium (3 points) – each club’s stadium and facilities must meet minimum standards
- Community (2.5 points) – combines each club’s fanbase potential with an appreciation for their Foundation – the charities associated with clubs that drive much of their community and participation activities
The new assessment process is all part of new proposals from IMG as part of the ‘Reimagining Rugby League’ strategy adopted by the Rugby League Council in April.
Membership for the 2025 Super League season will be determined by the top twelve teams in the 2024 rankings, which will be announced at the end of the following season.
The main aim of the 2023 assessment process is to give clubs a clear indication of their strengths and weaknesses, and the areas they need to improve in to increase their score.
Tony Sutton, CEO of the Rugby Football League, said: “The publication of these indicative club fixtures is a very important step.
“The sport has had to examine itself more closely than ever, at all levels – whether it is our central board, or our clubs in assessing all aspects of their off-field performance.
“The results are encouraging with seven of our clubs already reaching the A Class by achieving the score that IMG has set as a benchmark, which we believe should be the level clubs need to achieve to confirm their place in our elite competition – and another 17 have achieved a B grade and now know exactly what they need to do to reach the higher level.
“Congratulations are extended to the A-grade clubs, although I know they will not rest on their laurels as the key to the assessment process is that it is dynamic and clubs must maintain their standards.
“All clubs also deserve recognition for the positive way in which they are involved in this process, all with the aim of raising the standards of Rugby League – and reshaping the sport.”