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Super League: 2021 season to be decided by win points percentage

Regulation was introduced last September following a spate of cancellations and will be used in the Championship and League 1 this season as well; clubs permitted to withdraw from a fixture if they have seven or more of their top 25 players unavailable due to Covid-19 related reasons

Action from St Helens vs Salford in Super League, 2020
Image: St Helens vs Salford Red Devils kicks off the new Super League season on March 26, live on Sky Sports

Positions in the 2021 Betfred Super League will again be determined by win points percentage to allow for the possibility of postponements as a result of Covid-19.

The regulation was introduced last September following a spate of cancellations and will be used in the Betfred Championship and League 1 this season.

The Rugby Football League says clubs will need to play a minimum of 70 per cent of their regular fixtures - or 18 out of 25 - to qualify for the top-six play-offs, unless they have already earned a place in the top six through league points.

Key Points

- Minimum of 70% of regular fixtures (18 out of 26) need to be played

- If seven or more unavailable due to Covid clubs can withdraw from fixtures

- Percentage calculated by dividing points by matches played, x 50

- Positions to be determined by points scored percentage, calculated by dividing the number of points scored by the number of points conceded, x 100

- Teams relegated if it plays less than required number

The regulations surrounding postponements have been broadly carried forward from 2020, with clubs permitted to withdraw from a fixture if they have seven or more of their top 25 players unavailable due to Covid-19 related reasons.

Clubs could still opt to play even with seven or more players unavailable while the fixture will only be rearranged if both clubs have the same available match slot.

Win points percentage is calculated by dividing the number of league points by the number of matches played, multiplied by 50.

If teams are equal, positions will be determined by points scored percentage, calculated by dividing the number of points scored by the number of points conceded and multiplying by 100.

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A team will still be relegated if it plays less than the required number of matches and the RFL board will have discretion to determine a new minimum figure if four or more clubs do not reach the 70 per cent threshold.

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If a club is unable to fulfil a tie in the first two rounds of the Challenge Cup, it will be awarded to their opponents because of limited time between the rounds but subsequent ties will be rearranged, taking precedence over league fixtures.

If clubs are unable to fulfil a match due to player availability outside Covid, the points will be awarded to their opponent with a score of 24-0, as happened to Warrington after Salford pulled out of game last season.

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