The English Super League is set to be expanded from 12 to 14 clubs from next season, the Rugby Football League has confirmed.

Places in the elite competition are to be awarded by licences from 2009 rather than promotion or relegation and 19 clubs, including the 12 current sides, have applied for places.

The decision to create two extra places will offer hope to Salford, Widnes and Celtic Crusaders - the favourites to be offered positions - as well as Leigh, Featherstone, Halifax and Toulouse, of promotion.

RFL executive chairman Richard Lewis said the time was now right for the increase due to improved television and sponsorship revenue.

"I believe the sport is on the up and there are so many things that are going well," Lewis told BBC Radio Five Live.

"Television income, sponsorship income and crowd figures - so much is going well. I think the sport is ready to make that transition.

"The international game is growing and it is probably as good a time as any for the sport to go to a 14-team Super League competition."

A decision on the final make-up of Super League licences for 2009-11 is expected next month, although no date has been confirmed.

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