Hull KR have been awarded an Elite Academy Licence, running until the end of 2027.
The club had been granted a probationary licence last June for 2022-23, giving them up to two years to make the changes deemed necessary for Elite status from 2024.
Hull KR have been working closely with the RFL over the last year to deliver those improvements, and an independent accreditation has now given their Academy an official rating of ‘Good’.
Hull KR Chief Executive, Paul Lakin was delighted with the news: "We are proud to achieve Elite Academy Licence status. It provides the official recognition of all the work and investment we have placed into our academy system.
"Our focus of driving the Academy forwards and creating pathways for our younger players has never changed, with several academy players joining the first team squad this season, and no doubt more to follow in 2023. We are also now underpinning the licence with additional sound administrate procedures, welfare support and educational opportunities to support the players development.
"The elite grading is excellent news for everyone involved in the club and recognition of the hard work Ben (Lazenby), Jason (Netherton) and the Academy staff have put in.
Dave Rotheram, the RFL's Chief On-Field Officer, said: "We are pleased to congratulate Hull KR on securing an Elite Academy Licence.
"This is a reward for Ben Lazenby, Jason Netherton and everyone else at the club who have responded so positively to the challenge of driving up the standards in their Academy.
"It's significant news both for the Hull KR club and the young players of Hull and beyond who will benefit from this elite environment over the next five years.
"The licensing process was introduced following widespread recognition that our standards must be elite, and that everyone involved has a responsibility to protect and grow the sport from the community game through to the professional ranks and our national teams."
