Four-time Super League champions, Bradford Bulls have been liquidated, an announcement on Tuesday confirmed.
The club had entered administration for the third time in four years last November, and had an offer to take over the club rejected by the administrators last week – despite gaining the approval of the Rugby Football League. A second bid for the club was also knocked back, triggering their liquidation.
Understandably, the news has angered those associated with the club and many have expressed their disappointment at the situation on social media.
One of the first to react was Leon Pryce, who had agreed to rejoin the club at which he started out his professional career last season.
Apologising to fans and everyone associated with the club, Pryce tweeted his disbelief at the outcome.
Sorry for players staff fans – everyone involved @BradfordBullsRL we have been liquidated.For the first time in my life I'm lost for words
— Leon Pryce (@leonpryce6) January 3, 2017
The 35-year-old outside back progressed through Bradford’s youth ranks before establishing himself as a first team regular until his departure to St Helens over a decade ago. After stints at the Catalan Dragons and Hull it was announced last summer that he would return to the Bulls.
Since news of the liquidation surfaced, the RFL has confirmed that a new Bradford-based team could compete in the second-tier Championship in 2017. However, any new Bradford team would have to start the season in February with a 12-point deficit.
‘To clarify the next steps for all concerned, the independent RFL board has met to determine how the future of professional rugby league in Bradford can move forward in 2017,’ a statement reads.
‘While a number of alternatives were considered the board were most mindful of the planning already undertaken by all other clubs in the competition structure, the season tickets already purchased and the players and staff who will now be seeking employment in and around the sport in 2017.
‘Accordingly the board has agreed that the wider interests of the sport is best satisfied if it offers a place in the Championship to any new club in Bradford and that such a club start the 2017 season on minus 12 points.
‘Any interested parties should contact the RFL directly.’
