The Bramley Buffaloes, an esteemed Rugby League club with a history dating back to 1879, have formally announced their intention to submit an application to join League One following the Rugby Football League’s (RFL) invitation for clubs to consider expansion for the 2025 season.
The RFL’s proposed “managed restructure of the competition structure” below the Super League prompted the Bramley Buffaloes to release a statement on their official website expressing their keen interest in joining League One from 2025. The club boasts a storied history, with notable achievements such as being the first team to facilitate a £100 player transfer and having spent three seasons playing at Headingley in the late 1990s under the tutelage of esteemed coaches like John Kear and Barrie McDermott.
Martyn Cheney, Chairman of the Bramley Buffaloes, articulated the club’s enthusiasm for the prospect of returning to the professional game, emphasizing that the decision to pursue an application to become the 12th team in the Betfred League 1 competition was made after careful consideration of the associated challenges.
In spite of the obstacles they may face, the club has convened a working group to meticulously conduct due diligence to ensure that its application meets all requisite criteria and comprehensively addresses the financial implications of climbing the divisions. With the Bramley Buffaloes currently positioned at the top of their division, having secured victories in five of their initial six league games, the club is hopeful for the opportunity to reignite local rivalries and compete against other professional clubs as they tread this new path.
In the event that their application is successful, the Bramley Buffaloes eagerly anticipate the revival of local rivalries with Hunslet and other professional clubs, signifying a momentous return to professional Rugby League in Bramley.
The momentous declaration by the Bramley Buffaloes contributes to the burgeoning interest from various clubs seeking to join League One in 2025, thereby reshaping the landscape of Rugby League competitions. With its rich heritage dating back to 1879 and a recent resurgence, the potential entry of the Bramley Buffaloes into League One unfolds as a compelling narrative of tradition and revitalization within the sport.