A Quick Guide to European Super League Teams
The Facts on the Greatest Clubs in The Greatest Game
Sep 2, 2009
The Competition consists of 14 teams from England, Wales and France.
Bradford Bulls
The Bulls go back to 1863 and were a founder club of the Northern Union. They were pioneers in the summer era and are still considered one of the 'big four' clubs. They were called Bradford Northern until 1996.
- Most Recent Honours: Champions 2005, Challenge Cup Winners 2003.
- Venue: Grattan Stadium
Catalans Dragons
Born from a merger of two clubs they joined Super League in 2006. They have re-ignited French Rugby League and attract very decent crowds, including over 18,000 to a game in Barcelona.
- Most Recent Honours: Elite One Championship 2005
- Venue: Stade Gilbert Brutus, Perpignan
Castleford Tigers
Classy Cas were created in 1926. They won the Challenge Cup in 1935 and become an admired club for playing a silky brand of rugby. More recently they have been a bit of a yo-yo club but are now more firmly established.
- Most Recent Honours: National league One Champions 2007, Challenge Cup Winners 1986.
- Venue: The Jungle
Celtic Crusaders
The Crusaders were founded in 2005. Initially playing from the Brewery Field in Bridgend, the Crusaders will play the next two years in Newport, Wales.
- Most Recent Honours: National League 2 Champions 2007.
- Venue: Rodney Parade
Harlequins RL
Starting as Fulham in 1980, the Quins have the most name club changes to their credit. They currently share an identity with the Harlequins Rugby Union side, as well the same stadium in Twickenham London.
- Most Recent Honours: None.
- Venue: The Stoop, London
Huddersfield Giants
Huddersfield, established in 1878, have enacted one of the most impressive revivals seen by a founding club. They have struggled for support, but the club is based in a modern stadium, and is starting to challenge for honours once more.
- Most Recent Honours: Champions 1962 Challenge Cup Winners 1953.
- Venue: The Galpharm Stadium
Hull FC
The city of Hull could claim to be the biggest rugby league city in England. With two Super League clubs and numerous amateur sides, the Airlie Birds honour list should be bigger but they have struggled of late. Created in 1865 their derby with Hull KR is one the fiercest in all of sport.
- Most Recent Honours: Champions 1983 Challenge Cup Winners 2005.
- Venue: KC Stadium
Hull Kingston Rovers
Formed in 1882 they have traditionally represented the east side of Hull. Known as the Robins their best period was in the early 1980's when they beat local rivals Hull FC in the final of the Challenge Cup in front of over 95,000 people.
- Most Recent Honours: National League One Champions 2006 Challenge Cup Winners 1980.
- Venue: Craven Park
Leeds Rhinos
The Rhinos are the biggest club in the Super League. They were founded as St. Johns in 1870, becoming Leeds when they joined a nearly formed sporting club in 1889. They were also a founder member of the Northern Union.
- Most Recent Honours: Champions 2008, Challenge Cup Winners.
- Venue: Headingley Carnegie Stadium
Wakefield Trinity Wildcats
Established in 1873 they have many honours to their name, and were amongst the founders of the sport in 1895. They were last a major force in the game in the 1960's winning four challenge cups in four years.
- Most Recent Honours: National League One Champions 1998, Challenge Cup Winners 1963.
- Venue: Belle Vue Stadium
Warrington Wolves
Founded in 1879, they are one of the wealthiest teams but have been perennial underachievers. A new coach has turned them round, and they won the Challenge Cup this year, their first major honour since 1974.
- Most Recent Honours: Championship 1955 Challenge Cup Winners 2009.
- Venue: The Halliwell Jones Stadium
Wigan Warriors
The most famous club in the sport. Tracing their roots back to 1879, they have a impressive list of honours. They won eight Challenge Cups in a row between 1987 and 1995, in a time of unprecedented dominance.
- Most Recent Honours: Champions 1998, Challenge Cup Winners 2002.
- Venue: DW Stadium
St.Helens RLFC
As champions five times, Saints are the most dominant team in the Super League era. They were founded in 1873 and featured in the first ever Challenge Cup in 1897, losing 10-3 to Batley.
- Most Recent Honours: Champions 2006 Challenge Cup Winners 2008.
- Venue: Knowsley Road
Salford City Reds
The Red Devils have been in Rugby League since 1896. Their golden period was in the 1930's when they were champions three times. More recently they have struggled to stay in the top flight.
- Most Recent Honours: National League Champions 2008 Challenge Cup Winners 1938.
- Venue: The Willows
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