Bedford’s rugby league club, Bedford Tigers have officially renewed their interest to turn professional, saying the changes made to the professional rugby league structure in the UK have made the landscape “far more palatable”.
The announcement comes following further changes to the professional arena this season, with the second tier Championship and third tier League One merging into a single division for the current season.
The changes were made amidst a backdrop of financial hardship for multiple clubs in the sport.
Many folded, including Cornwall RLFC in April 2025, while Super League club, Salford Red Devils were liquidated but replaced by a new venture, Salford RLFC who now play in the Championship.
Bedford Tigers, who currently play in the third-tier Southern Conference, have already applied for professional status once, but lost out to Yorkshire-based, Goole Vikings in September 2024.
Read: Bedford Tigers lose out to Goole for professional rugby league space
Since then, the original plan of three tiers of 12 clubs was scrapped in favour of a 14-team Super League, and an extended Championship, which currently has 20 clubs, including Goole.
However, the RFL are currently not looking to welcome an additional franchise into the professional setup. The governing body have been approached for comment, but did not respond in time for publication.
“We have worked hard”
Bedford Tigers now say they are want to “remain in the conversation” to become professional, and cite the recently installed salary cap as their basis.
“At the end of April, we refreshed our interest with the Rugby Football League (RFL) to join the professional game”, said Tigers’ Director of Rugby, Rob Ashton in a statement on the club website.
“The latest news surrounding the Championship is the reintroduction of a salary cap, which was originally extended to match that of Super League and allow ambitious clubs to turn full time.
“What does the salary cap mean for the Tigers? In short, it makes the landscape far more palatable. There’s no longer an infinite ceiling and budgets can be carefully planned against that backdrop.
“In the time since our application, we have worked hard to improve every aspect of the club. Players now play under agreement to ensure a consistent on field performance.”
“While the RFL are not actively looking to bring a new franchise into the professional game, they have acknowledged our submission of interest”, added Ashton.
The season so far
The Tigers are looking to improve on a third place finish last season, where they reached the season-ending play-offs before succumbing to eventual champions, Hammersmith Hill Hoists in the semi-finals.
They have already made some history this campaign, after reaching the second round of the Betfred Challenge Cup in January, defeating last season’s London and South East champions, Medway Dragons.
Read: Bedford Tigers create history with first ever Betfred Challenge Cup win
They went on to lose in the second round to Championship side, North Wales Crusaders, who are another club to have faced heavy financial uncertainty in recent weeks, but are now back on level footing after new funding was found.
The Tigers already have wins against Bristol All Golds, London Chargers and Eastern Rhinos this season, although Hammersmith once again look favourites, and are the only team to have beaten Bedford in the league so far this season.
Bedford Tigers play their home games at Bedford Athletic Rugby Club in Putnoe.
You can keep up to date with their season via their club website here.
