Rugby League Enthusiasts Welcome Bramley Buffaloes’ Intention to Join League One in 2025
In a move that has piqued the interest of rugby league fans, the historic Bramley Buffaloes have announced their intention to apply for a spot in the Betfred League One competition starting in 2025. This comes amidst the Rugby Football League’s (RFL) call for formal applications to join the league, as the governing body looks to restructure the divisions below the Super League.
The Bramley Buffaloes, established in 1879, are one of the most storied clubs in English rugby league history. They were the first team to have a player, James Lomas, move for £100, and have also enjoyed a stint playing at the iconic Headingley stadium in the late 1990s. The club’s rich legacy and recent success in the Yorkshire Men’s League have made their declaration of interest particularly noteworthy.
“Martyn Cheney, the Bramley Buffaloes chairman, acknowledged the challenges that come with this ambitious bid, but expressed the club’s excitement at the prospect of renewing local rivalries with the likes of Hunslet should their application be successful.”
The Buffaloes currently sit atop their division, having won five of their opening six league games, further bolstering their case for a place in the professional ranks.
The RFL’s call for applications follows their recent review of the Tier Two and Three clubs, with the governing body determined to oversee a “managed restructure of the competition structure” below the Super League. This has already led to some changes, with both London Skolars and West Wales Raiders folding, leaving just nine teams in League One.
The Bramley Buffaloes join Goole Vikings and Bedford Tigers in publicly declaring their interest in joining League One, as rugby league enthusiasts eagerly await the RFL’s decision on the expansion of the competition. The Buffaloes’ historic significance and recent form make them a compelling contender, as the sport seeks to strengthen its grassroots and provide more opportunities for clubs to compete at the professional level.
🔗 Source
