"The League will start in March 2012, with a short interim season to be played from September 2011 to November 2011. Entering an Expression of Interest will enable you to learn more about the proposed League.

The RFL Community Board is keen to ensure that all clubs that want to play from March to November are able to do so. This follows the Four Seasons debate which took place over the last year on what time of year the game should be played and which highlighted widespread support for playing in the summer.

This new men’s competition will be played between March and November and will sit at Tier 4 of the new National pyramid structure which incorporates the whole sport from Super League down to Regional Community Leagues."

In the North West there will still be a winter competition operating as there still remains some demand. For all summer clubs next season there will also be an 'interim' winter competition running from September to November to help rank clubs and prepare for March.

Bury's head of club development Mike Palin, when asked about the upcoming switch, said, "This is an exciting time for the sport and for an area like Bury where the game has not been traditionally played. Our aim now is to capitalise on the new opportunity and build on what we've already got up and running. Hopefully, in a few years, we'll have plenty of juniors as well as open age and can really push on. If you, or anyone you know is interested in being more involved, then please let us know on 07834686374."