The National Conference League is to allow its clubs to field players who have professional contracts.
The sport’s leading competition for community clubs is bringing in the rules under new Dual Registration Regulations.
Each of the NCL’s clubs across four divisions will be able to register up to six contracted players during the course of the season, although only two will be able to play in any one match.
Cumbria is well represented in the Conference League with Wath Brow, Kells, Egremont, Barrow Island, Ellenborough, Milon, Hensingham, Seaton and newcomers Distington.
They are likely to make arrangements with either Barrow, Whitehaven or Workington.,
Trevor Hunt, the Chair of the NCL, said:
“We believe the introduction of Dual Registration Regulations will encourage players to maintain their links with the Community Rugby League clubs where the majority will have started playing as juniors.
“We also see the Regulations benefiting the players by allowing them to maintain match fitness and impress their club coaches at a high level of competition.
“We hope that professional clubs, especially in the Betfred Championship and League One, and also Super League clubs with Academy players, will embrace the initiative.”
The Regulations have been introduced into the NCL on a season-long trial basis.
