Super League clubs "approved an increase to the salary cap as well as dispensations to slow the player drain from English rugby league and attract more top talent to the competition," according to Aaron Bower of the London GUARDIAN. The £1.8M ($2.3M) wage ceiling has "risen only slightly" since its introduction in '99. In contrast, National Rugby League teams are allowed to spend around £4M ($5M) per season on salaries. At a meeting in Manchester on Wednesday, the 12 clubs voted to raise the cap to £1.9M ($2.4M) next season, with "incremental increases" for the two seasons thereafter: £2M ($2.5M) in '19, followed by £2.1M ($2.6M) in '20. The plans "will go before the Rugby Football League board for formal ratification on Thursday." Other proposals "concerning dispensations to the cap," which were also approved, could have the "biggest impact for rugby league" in England. Plans concerning "new returning talent" from other sports were "given the go-ahead and it is understood their salaries would be exempt from the cap for their first two seasons back in rugby league." The plans have been "spearheaded" by new Super League Exec Dir Roger Draper, who wants to ensure the sport in England gives itself "the best chance of attracting leading players, as well as retaining the best talent currently in Super League" (GUARDIAN, 4/5).
