Kingston Press Championships Clubs Decide On Play-Off Format

The clubs competing in the Kingstone Press Championship have decided to stick with a play-off system involving the top eight clubs at the end of the season to decide the 2013 title.

The rugby league clubs met at Leigh Sports Village and settled on a system that will see the team that finished first taking on the team that finished fourth and the second and third place teams will also meet in the Qualifying play-offs. The Elimination play-offs will see the teams in fifth and eighth teams and the teams in sixth and seventh meeting. The winners will then head to the semi-finals.

The play-offs start on 5 September and will climax with the Grand Final on 29 September.

Rugby Football League Chief Operating Officer Ralph Rimmer said: “The Kingstone Press Championships clubs had a full debate on all aspects of their competitions and calendar.

“It was a very productive day which considered many issues, including that of the introduction of a ‘ClubCall’ system to the Championship play-offs.

“Ultimately, whilst the consensus was that ‘ClubCall’ has worked well in Super League, the clubs were keen for the newly-expanded Championships to continue to forge its own feel and sense of identity.

“This was a theme which resonated throughout the day . The clubs developed several ideas which really demonstrated their sense of pride in their competitions and season: 2013 will benefit from plenty of innovation as a result.”

The clubs also ratified the play-off formula for the Kingstone Press Championship One, which will feature the teams finishing from second to sixth. The team that finishes first receives automatic promotion as champions.