Fixtures are today unveiled for next season’s Reserve grade and Academy (U/18) fixtures.
13 clubs will compete in the Reserve grade competition, with reigning champions Wigan Warriors travelling to London Broncos on Saturday 9 March for their opening fixture. The 13 includes all 11 English Super League clubs, plus Bradford Bulls and Wakefield Trinity from the Betfred Championship.
Round One Reserves fixtures (all Saturday 9 March, KO 2pm unless stated)
Bradford Bulls v Hull FC
Castleford Tigers v Huddersfield Giants
Hull KR v Warrington Wolves
Leigh Leopards v Leeds Rhinos
London Broncos v Wigan Warriors (2.30pm)
St Helens v Salford Red Devils
In the opening round of the 10-strong Academy competition, 2023 champions St Helens begin the defence of their title at Leeds Rhinos on Saturday 16 March. Bradford and Wakefield again represent the Championship, alongside eight English Super League clubs.
Round One Academy fixtures (Saturday 16 March, KO 2pm unless stated)
Huddersfield Giants v Hull KR (KO 10.30am)
Leeds Rhinos v St Helens
Wakefield Trinity v Bradford Bulls
Warrington Wolves v Hull FC
Wigan Warriors Academy v Castleford Tigers Academy
Reserves and Academy competition rounds take place on alternate weeks to help clubs manage demands on players and resources, with each culminating in a Grand Final to determine the champions.
A new restriction on tackle height will apply to both competitions, following trials in the Academy competition last summer which were found to have significantly reduced the amount of head contact and the number of head accelerations. The new law, which will eventually be applied at all levels of professional Rugby League from 2025 season, changes the legal tackle height limit from shoulder level (i.e. below the neck) to arm pit level (i.e. below the shoulder).
Complete fixtures for both competitions are available via the RFL Match Centre.
