St Helens confirm Championship dual-registration partners for 2024′

St Helens will continue their dual-registration partnership with Championship outfit Swinton Lions for the 2024 season.

Rugby league players from both sides will be able to play for one another as a result of the partnership, which will primarily give Saints’ fringe players the chance to play competitive rugby league in the Championship and obtain first-team experience for developmental purposes.

A player can play and train for both clubs if they enrol in dual registration. The player will only be allowed to participate in one match per scheduled round in any given week. For instance, if Saints played on a Friday and Swinton on a Sunday, they would not be able to play twice in the same weekend.

The dual-registration rule was implemented in 2013, after the two teams had already formed a relationship prior to the current season. Among the players to have played for Swinton was highly-regarded rookie George Delaney, who made 20 appearances for his parent club in addition to six for the Lions.

Super League outfit St Helens confirm Championship dual-registration partners for 2024: ‘There are benefits for both clubs’

Speaking to their club website, St Helens head coach Paul Wellens said: “We are delighted to have our dual-registration agreement with Swinton Lions continue into the 2024 season.

“The partnership allows some of our players to gain valuable match minutes in a highly competitive Championship, evidenced last season by George Delaney’s rise.

George seized the chance to work with Swinton, and it worked out well for everyone. Since they are representing both teams, we expect any player who gets a chance with the Lions to perform up to our standards.

“The collaboration is still going strong, and we can’t wait to collaborate once more in the 2024 season.”

After Allan Coleman left to join the Widnes Vikings, Alan Kilshaw became the new manager of Swinton in 2024.

Kilshaw, who joined the Lions from League 1 team Hunslet, takes over a Swinton team that narrowly avoided relegation in the second division this season.

“I am extremely appreciative of Mike Rush and Paul Wellens for cooperating with us to expand our collaboration for the,” he continued 2024 season

“Last season, the arrangement worked well, and I hope we can improve it even more. There are advantages for both clubs, and I have no doubt that we will keep cooperating effectively to make our dual-registration arrangement a huge success.