Thursday 6 April 2017 21:25, UK
Proposals to increase the Super League salary cap have been approved by the Rugby Football League's board of directors.
A vote by the clubs to increase their spending on player wages from the current maximum of £1.825m to £2.1m by 2020 needed ratification from the governing body, which gave the green light at a meeting in Manchester on Thursday afternoon.
It means the measures will come into force from the start of the 2018 season, when the cap rises initially to £1.9m.
The RFL said in a statement on Thursday: "The Rugby Football League board has today approved the proposed changes to salary cap regulations voted for yesterday by Super League clubs."
The plans, which were voted in by a majority of seven to five, also give clubs dispensation for two marquee players and two new or returning players.
The new rules also remove players aged under 21 and outside a club's list of top 25 from the cap.
The changes have divided opinion within the game.
Wigan owner Ian Lenagan, whose club currently possess the only marquee player in Sam Tomkins, and Warrington boss Simon Moran gave their resounding backing, arguing the move will enable Super League to retain its elite talent in the face of competition from rugby union and the NRL.
But Wakefield chairman Michael Carter says the new rules could effectively give some clubs the power to spend more than £3m on wages and undermine the current competitive nature of Super League.
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