BY JOHN DAVIDSON
The RFL is set to confirm that struggling Salford Red Devils can register players for its scholarship, after confusion over whether it had been blocked.
Fan group ‘The 1873’ had posted online several days ago claims that the RFL had stopped Salford from registering any new scholarship players because of issues around the club’s ownership and financial problems.
rugbyleaguehub.com Long Reads understands the club had sent communications to its scholarship players stating that they could not train, as the governing body would not register them.
However, rugbyleaguehub.com Long Reads contacted the RFL, who denied it was the case and stated that it had not received any registration requests from the Red Devils. It is believed meetings with the scholarship players and the club have taken place this week.
rugbyleaguehub.com Long Reads contacted Paul King, director of the club, who said today: “The RFL have now confirmed we can register scholarship players.”
It is understood the confusion has caused a lot of angst among the players and their parents, as well as fans, with two scholarship players deciding to join other clubs.
“While we are pleased this issue has now been resolved for the benefit of players, parents and the Salford Red Devils pathways, it should never have taken this level of pressure to get here,” ‘The 1873’ said in a statement.
“Families were previously told that registration was not possible, which understandably caused needless concern and uncertainty for young players who simply want the opportunity to follow their dreams.
“Challenging situations like this is exactly why The 1873 was set up: to ensure that our club and its community are not held back by avoidable barriers.
“We are happy this outcome has been achieved and we will continue to hold decision-makers to account to make sure the best interests of Salford’s young players always come first.”
It is understood Salford has been blocked from signing first-team players to the club for the 2026 season.
