The RFL have recently released the following statement regarding the changes to the On Field Sanctions.

All clubs were circulated with changes to the on-field sentencing guidelines for 2025 in mid-December.

These guidelines are for Betfred Men’s and Women’s Super League, plus Betfred Championship and League One.

The changes followed consultation with clubs at all levels in the mid-season regulatory meetings in May 2024, and ratification by the RFL’s Laws Commitdamtee – which includes representatives from clubs, coaches and players – followed by approval by RFL Board.

While there is support for the broad direction of travel, following feedback from various levels of the sport, the RFL has agreed to reconsider some of the detail of the changes, specifically relating to historic charges (from the 2024 season

The final version of the guidelines will therefore be published in the first week of February, before the Third Round of the Betfred Challenge Cup, and following a scheduled meeting of Laws Committee on January 29, which is followed by the RFL Board – as well as further consultation with clubs and other stakeholders.

Keighley Cougars welcome this approach to the On Field Sanctioning update and will continue to suggest more sensible ways forward for On Field disciplinary.

We will continue to work with the RFL and ensure that, specifically, Brad England’s ban is dealt with under the correct model.