Salford Red Devils again under sustainability cap

Salford Red Devils head coach Paul Rowley

Salford Red Devils have been placed back under sustainability cap restrictions with immediate effect amid continued uncertainty about the financial health of the club.

A delay receiving cleared funds following last month's takeover by an investment group led by Swiss banker Dario Berta has left players still waiting to be paid for February.

The reinstatement of the cap by the Rugby Football League means head coach Paul Rowley will once again be unable to field his first-choice side when Salford make the trip to Castleford Tigers on Friday.

The Red Devils confirmed the situation in a statement and said funds from the takeover were "currently pending regulatory clearance".

The statement continued: "To our fans, we sincerely apologise, we know this is not an easy time to be a Salford Reds fan.

"We apologise to you on behalf of our new ownership who have assured the club that the consortium is working to rectify the financial situation and there will be no further issues."

The Rugby Football League Special Measures Committee confirmed that a freeze on player movements in and out of the club would remain and the sustainability cap of £1.2m had been reimposed.

Salford have endured a torrid start to the season on the pitch as well as in the boardroom with a record-breaking 82-0 defeat by St Helens on the opening day of the Super League season.

Despite returning to full strength after RL Commercial lifted the original cap, they followed that with a 32-6 home loss to Leeds Rhinos.

Then in round three last Thursday, they went down 42-0 at Hull KR with Rowley admitting the players' concerns about non-payment of salaries had contributed to the result.