Bramley Buffaloes declare interest in return to rugby league's professional ranks

A third club has declared interest in applying for a place in League 1 next year, and it's one who has a history in the professional ranks. Bramley Buffaloes are the latest club to express interest in entering the competition next year, 25 years since leaving the professional ranks.

Since then they have been playing in the Yorkshire Men's League, where they are currently top of the division. Bramley, which is located in Leeds, were forced to pull out due to financial issues. In the years after, they had three proposed bids rejected to return to the professional ranks.

They have joined Goole Vikings and Bedford Tigers in expressing an interest in becoming the newest team to enter League 1.

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“The decision to express our interest in becoming the 12th team in the Betfred League 1 competition hasn’t been taken lightly, and we understand there will be many challenges associated with this bid,” Buffaloes chair, Martyn Cheney, said.

“Nevertheless, the due diligence carried out by our working group will ensure the club takes the best option for all parties as we embark on this exciting new venture.

“We look forward to the weeks and months ahead, and are hopeful that a strategy can be put in place which allows professional rugby league to return to Bramley.”

The RFL invited applications to become its 36th senior club earlier this year as part of plans to increase the number of teams in the third tier. Currently, there are only nine, but there will be levelling out of clubs in Championship and League 1, with the second tier currently boasting 14 teams.