The Bulls have been awarded a licence to play Super League from 2009 – along with Celtic Crusaders and Salford City Reds.

The Rugby Football League this morning announced the names of the 14 clubs who will make up the new, bigger competition for the next three years.

As expected, all 12 current Super League outfits have seen their applications successful but they will be joined by Welsh new boys in Bridgend-based Crusaders and fellow National League One outfit Salford.

The big name to miss out is the historic Widnes Vikings club, who – after being relegated in 2005 – had been one of the front-runners for a return to the top flight.

However, the panel have opted for expansion by awarding Celtic Crusaders a spot and they become the first Welsh side to enter the elite.

Salford, who suffered the drop last season, are now guaranteed an immediate return but, along with Widnes, there was disappointment for Leigh, Halifax, Featherstone and Toulouse.

Bradford chairman Peter Hood was delighted to see his club make the cut, securing the future of one of Super League’s most successful clubs.

“From the outset we gave the licence application process the respect it deserved, taking nothing for granted and certainly not resting on our laurels,” he said.

“Now that our immediate future is secure the off-field focus shifts to 2011.

“In less than three years’ time the application process begins again, by which time it is essential that there is a workable solution in place to bring the Grattan Stadium, Odsal into the 21st century.”

Meanwhile, today’s announcement means Super League will have a greater geographical footprint than ever before from 2009.

Games will be in played in England, France, Scotland – following confirmation last week that the Magic Weekend will be held in Murrayfield next May – and Wales.

The RFL’s executive chairman Richard Lewis said: “This is a historic day for rugby league and we are once again being innovative and leading the way in British sport by implementing a licensing system that will improve standards both on and off the field in the elite competition.

“We believe licensing has already served to galvanise the sport, stimulating clubs into addressing the issues of facility improvements, spectator comfort and the production of more players.

“Fundamentally, and at its heart, licensing promotes improvement in standards across the board.

“It creates stability and yet crucially keeps open the route into Super League for all aspiring clubs who can demonstrate the required standard. It is a better and fairer way of a club entering engage Super League.”