Three clubs apply to join rugby league's third tier

Vipers chairman Rob Humphries believes there is enough talent in the East to support a semi-pro team

Anglian Vipers, Bedford Tigers and Goole Vikings have all applied to join the third tier of the Rugby Football League next season.

It follows a decision to create two new divisions of 12 teams below Super League by 2026.

A total of 11 clubs made initial inquiries, but the three were the only ones to meet the 28 June deadline for formal bids.

The clubs will find out if their applications have been successful by the end of September and the one that is will initially become part of the current League One.

Anglian Vipers were formed in Wymondham, Norfolk, two years ago and made their debut in the East League in 2023.

"We have a one in three shot of playing League One next season, which is national level with TV games - it's just so exciting," chairman Rob Humphries told BBC Radio Norfolk.

"I think there is enough rugby talent in the region to support a team playing League One.

"Not only are they able to play semi-professional rugby league locally, but it puts them in the shop window for Super League and playing for England, and when you put on a pair of boots that’s what you want.

"This is a massive leap to being able to offer that."

Bedford Tigers play in the same competition as Vipers, as well as the Southern Conference, while Goole are currently part of the Yorkshire Men's League.

Tigers said in a statement on their website in May: "We are fully aware that this will come with some significant challenges, and it won’t be a decision that we will make lightly.

"There is a history of so-called Expansion Teams failing in recent years and we will need to be diligent to the task, ensuring that we are confident that we can be sustainable both on and off the field."