HULL KR: RFL not concerned by Rovers' finances

THE Rugby Football League says the finances of Hull KR will not come under increased scrutiny – despite the club admitting major losses.

Robins chairman Neil Hudgell this week revealed that KR lost a total of £925,000 over a two-year period following their promotion to Super League.

He also admitted the Robins expect to record a further loss of around £450,000 for the 2009 campaign.

These sums have led to concerns in some quarters that Rovers could face extra scrutiny when making a fresh application for a new Super League licence.

But although this process for entry beyond 2011 starts next year, the RFL has told the Mail that Rovers will not be treated any differently because of its financial position.

And the body which is in charge of regulating rugby league says it also has no concerns over the club filing its accounts late.

"There are no new requirements placed on Hull KR and, like all the clubs, they are aware of where the goalposts are," said an RFL spokesman.

"The RFL are aware of the financial situation of every club and are aware of what clubs earn and spend with regards to the salary cap, but the RFL are not privy to all the financial details and don't run the clubs for them.

"A club's financial strength is just one part of the criteria assessed in the Super League licensing process alongside many other factors.

"The financial strength and robustness of the business, plus whether the club earn or lose money, are all taken into consideration.

"The process of applications for the next licensing agreement begins in earnest next year and clubs will find out in June 2011 if they have a licence for the 2012 season."