Yahoo Sports Three clubs apply to join rugby league's third tier
Anglian Vipers, Bedford Tigers and Goole Vikings have all applied to join the third tier of the Rugby Football League next season.
It follows a decision to create two new divisions of 12 teams below Super League by 2026.
A total of 11 clubs made initial inquiries, but the three were the only ones to meet the 28 June deadline for formal bids.
The clubs will find out if their applications have been successful by the end of September and the one that is will initially become part of the current League One.
Anglian Vipers were formed in Wymondham, Norfolk two years ago and made their debut in the East League in 2023.
Bedford Tigers play in the same competition as well as the Southend Conference, while Goole are currently part of the Yorkshire Men's League.
Tigers said in a statement on their website in May: "We are fully aware that this will come with some significant challenges, and it won’t be a decision that we will make lightly.
"There is a history of so-called Expansion Teams failing in recent years and we will need to be diligent to the task, ensuring that we are confident that we can be sustainable both on and off the field."
