1994–95 Rugby Football League season

October 2024 none 1994–95 Rugby Football League season Championship 30 Rounds First Division: 16 Second Division: 16 Sky Sports First Division Wigan (16th title) Champions Wigan Premiership winners Denis Betts Man of Steel AwardsMan of Steel Frano Botica (408) Martin Offiah (53) Elevated from Second Division Doncaster Demoted to Third Division Featherstone RoversSalfordWakefield TrinityWidnesHull Second Division Second Division Keighley Cougars Champions London Broncos Second Division Hull Kingston RoversRyedale-YorkHunsletLeighSwintonBramleyCarlisleBarrow Highfield new Third Division 1993–94 Rugby Football League season 1993–94 1995–96 Rugby Football League season 1995–96 The 1994–95 Rugby Football League season was the 100th ever season of professional rugby league football in Britain. Sixteen teams competed from August 1994 until May 1995 for a number of titles, primarily the Stones Bitter Championship. Season summary Stones Bitter League Champions: Wigan (16th title) Silk Cut Challenge Cup Winners: Wigan (30-10 v Leeds) Stones Bitter Premiership Trophy Winners: Wigan (69-12 v Leeds) Harry Sunderland Trophy: Kris Radlinski Regal Trophy Winners: Wigan (7 - 40-10 v Warrington) 2nd Division Champions: Keighley The record for most points scored by one team in a match was broken by Huddersfield when they clocked up 142 against Blackpool Gladiators' 4 in a Regal Trophy match on 26 November 1994. This is also the record for widest margin. The 1995 Man of Steel Award for the player of the season went to Wigan's Denis Betts. Wigan also set a new record for most points in all matches in one season with 1,735 from 45 matches as follows: Division One Championship: 1,148 (from 30 games) Challenge Cup 230 (from 6 games) Regal Trophy 170 (from 5 games) Premiership Trophy 167 (from 3 games) Tour match (Australia) 20 (from 1 game) Rule changes The following rule changes were introduced this season by the referees' coaching director, Greg McCallum: Referees were given the power to put a player suspected of foul play "on report" with the incident to be reviewed later by the disciplinary panel.https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby-league-trio-face-referee-reports-1612327.html The Independent Trio face referee reports Dave Hadfield 1995-03-22 2009-05-06 https://web.archive.org/web/20121102091201/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby-league-trio-face-referee-reports-1612327.html 2012-11-02 live The system was based on the one already operating in Australian rugby league. Referees signalled that an incident had been put "on report" by crossing their raised arms above their heads. https://news.bbc.co.uk/sportacademy/hi/sa/rugby_league/rules/referee_signals/newsid_3730000/3730046.stm BBC Referee signals: Incident on report/holding down a tackled player BBC Sport 2004-10-27 2009-05-06 In-goal judges were trialled, these two additional match officials are positioned behind the dead-ball line at each end of the playing field and aim to aid the referee in judging if a try has been scored. The in-goal judges had been used in Australia for two years. McCallum ordered referees to penalise defending players lifting attackers in the tackle in a way that could lead to an illegal spear tackle. Leeds' Gary Mercer (dangerous throw), Sheffield Eagles' Paul Broadbent and Doncaster's Gordon Lynch (tripping) became the first players cited under the reporting system to be found to have a case to answer. Structural reform Framing the Future In prevision of the RFL's impending centennial season, a state-of-the-league report titled Framing the Future was produced by its board of directors, based on the findings of a one-year investigation commissioned from the Global Sports Marketing agency, with the aim of propelling the financially shaky sport into a new era.Fitzpatrick Paul 6 October 1994 https://www.newspapers.com/image/260605231/ Leading clubs win Premier battle The Guardian 25 newspapers.com Among the more consensual recommendations were the hiring of at least one full-time press officer, which The Daily Telegraph John Whalley found badly needed, pointing that only six First Division clubs allowed the BBC's Ceefax teletext service to relay their game results.Whalley John 18 October 1994 https://www.newspapers.com/image/751797248/ Wembley offers game best stage to attract crucial new spectators The Daily Telegraph 34 newspapers.com More controversially, the plan would nullify the existing revenue sharing scheme directed at second-tier teams, give two-to-one voting powers to top-flight clubs and limit promotion opportunities to one spot (the second would be conditioned to a playoff), which would likely not be guaranteed due to the implementation of more stringent stadium standards in the elite.1 October 1994 https://www.newspapers.com/image/899753686/ Plans still under fire Hull Daily Mail 26 newspapers.comBurke David 8 October 1994 https://www.newspapers.com/image/916823725/ Diluted plan better than breakaway Manchester Evening News 25 newspapers.com Those proposals drew the ire of many smaller clubs, with only one second-division member, the big-market London Broncos, reportedly in favour. The rebel faction convened in Rochdale and asked the vote to be delayed.Burke David 1 October 1994 https://www.newspapers.com/image/916823261/ Minnows' vote plea Manchester Evening News 7 newspapers.com Opposition leaders Batley and Ryedale-York proposed several amendments.Fieldhouse John 1 October 1994 https://www.newspapers.com/image/899753152/ Battle lines re-drawn in 'Super League' debate Hull Daily Mail 45 newspapers.com Concurrently, the leading clubs also hardened their stance: Wigan threatened to form a breakaway loop, however it was accepted that only three or four clubs could afford to follow them. Following a protracted meeting in Leeds, a compromise was found. It gave three votes to top-flight clubs, two to second-tier clubs, and one to some eligible third-tier clubs, while revenue sharing would be phased out within four years. However, the two promotion spots would be preserved. Seventy-five per cent of a projected £25 million public grant for stadium improvements was also allocated to top-tier members. While it was decided to rebrand the First Division as "Premier League" in 1995–96, the number of teams remained at sixteen. Those changes were viewed by some as underwhelming. Star player Paul Hulme was unimpressed by the new policy and criticised the lack of obligations placed on clubs regarding player development, compared to what existed in Australia.Bettley Dave 13 October 1994 https://www.newspapers.com/image/822605264/ Alive and kicking? Runcorn Weekly News 77 newspapers.com Super League Europe Throughout the 1994–95 season, news of media mogul Rupert Murdoch's interest in an extension of his projected Australian circuit to Europe made their way to the press,Smith David December 12, 1994 https://www.newspapers.com/image/724740425/ Smaller clubs could pay a high price for Super League Evening Standard London 61 newspapers.com and were formalised during an RFL Council meeting on 5 April 1995. Three days later, the clubs unanimously voted to accept Murdoch's proposal, effectively superseding much of the previous fall's moderate reform. Per the agreement, the final 1995–96 First Division season would serve as a transition year, and use a condensed roster of teams which would prefigure the Super League format.Dawson George April 10, 1995 https://www.newspapers.com/image/916276459/ Old Trafford movie is Salford target Manchester Evening News 48 newspapers.com The possible aggregation of local rivals into a single regional side to reach the desired team quota—which was later rescinded—led to some protests, including a pitch invasion during half-time of the East Lancashire derby between Salford and Oldham on 14 April. 15 April 1995 https://www.newspapers.com/image/916277867/ Oldham fan-fare Manchester Evening News 45 Tables First Division In preparation for the switch to summer for the Super League, the position teams finished would determine what division they would play next season. The team finishing bottom would be relegated to the new Third Division and teams finishing 11th to 15th would be relegated to the existing Second Division.Fletcher Howes 1995 304 main WDL WIG LEE CAS STH HFX WAR BRA SHE WOR OLD FEV SAL WAK WID HUL DON PRE PRE PRE PRE PRE PRE PRE PRE REL REL REL REL REL DEM 17 1 12 811 650 20 2 8 872 564 10 1 19 582 687 18 2 10 782 566 7 1 22 594 880 24 1 5 863 526 5 1 24 469 1007 11 1 18 534 746 15 0 15 646 699 20 1 9 893 640 12 1 17 538 743 18 2 10 753 570 9 0 21 434 807 8 1 21 481 767 28 0 2 1148 386 10 1 19 613 775 C R R R R R R Bradford Northern Castleford Doncaster Sheffield Eagles Halifax Featherstone Rovers Leeds Salford Oldham Workington Town Hull F.C. St Helens Wakefield Trinity Warrington Widnes Wigan 1) Points; 2) Points difference; 3) Number of points scored; points complete Fletcher Howes 1995 302 2 1 0 QR yellow1 Qualification for the Premiership first round red3 Relegation to Second Division red1 Relegation to Third Division Second Division The teams finishing in the top 7 would remain in the Second Division. London Broncos were promoted into the First Division as they were to be part of the new Super League in 1996. The remaining teams were relegated to form the new Third Division.Fletcher Howes 1995 304 main WDL KEI BAT HUD LON WHI ROC DEW HKR YOR HUN LEI SWI BRM CAR BAR HIG PRM PRM PRM PRM PRM PRM PRM QRE REL REL REL REL REL REL REL REL 6 0 24 449 811 23 0 7 754 423 10 0 20 554 655 8 0 22 546 877 17 1 12 744 538 15 2 9 567 362 1 0 29 224 1604 19 3 8 870 539 16 0 14 611 783 16 1 13 824 516 23 2 5 974 337 20 1 9 732 480 18 0 12 805 544 12 0 18 576 768 12 0 18 622 787 19 0 11 766 507 15 2 13 720 602 C P R R R R R R R R R Barrow Batley Bramley Carlisle Dewsbury London Broncos Highfield Leigh Huddersfield Hunslet Hull Kingston Rovers Keighley Cougars Rochdale Hornets Swinton Whitehaven Ryedale-York 1) Points; 2) Points difference; 3) Number of points scored; points complete Fletcher Howes 1995 302 2 1 0 PQR red1 Relegation to Third Division yellow2 Qualified for Divisional Premiership first round red2 Relegation to Third DivisionQualified for Divisional Premiership first round Premiership 1995 Rugby League Premiership Regal Trophy 1994–95 League Cup (rugby league) Fletcher Howes 1995 211 KeyReplayed - 1st match in brackets Replayed - 1st match in brackets Second round Third round Quarter-final Semi-final Final Hull 26 Barrow 16 Wigan 34 Rochdale Hornets 12 Batley 36 Ryedale-York 8 Huddersfield 11 St Helens 52 Workington Town 24 Wakefield Trinity 8 Leeds 54 Swinton 24 Carlisle 16 Dewsbury 30 Castleford 32 Halifax 26 Highfield 2 Widnes 50 Oldham 28 Hull Kingston Rovers 0 Whitehaven 18 Featherstone Rovers 12 Bradford Northern 32 St Esteve 6 Keighley 28 Bramley 4 Sheffield Eagles 46 Leigh 10 Salford 16 London Broncos 14 Warrington 44 Doncaster 14 Hull 14 Wigan 38 BatleyReplayed - 1st match in brackets (22)22 St HelensReplayed - 1st match in brackets (22)50 Workington Town 14 Leeds 18 Dewsbury 2 Castleford 30 Widnes 20 Oldham 6 Whitehaven 14 Bradford Northern 34 Keighley 26 Sheffield Eagles 10 Salford 24 Warrington 31 Wigan 24 St Helens 22 Leeds 14 Castleford 34 Widnes 23 Bradford Northern 10 Keighley 18 Warrington 20 Wigan 34 Castleford 6 Widnes 4 Warrington 30 Wigan 40 Warrington 10 Challenge Cup 1994–95 Challenge Cup Rounds One and Two were contested between amateur clubs only. Millom were the biggest winners in Round One when they defeated Northampton Knights by 62–4. The biggest win in Round Two was Wigan St Patricks who defeated Crown Malet 42–6. Round Three saw teams from Division Two matched at home against an amateur opponent. There was one shock result, when Beverley beat Highfield by 27–4. Dewsbury recorded the most points in Round Three when they defeated Kells by 72–12, though the biggest margin of victory went to Keighley who beat Chorley 68–0. In Round Four, the Division One sides entered the competition with no seeding. There were two shock results when Huddersfield defeated Halifax 36-30 and Whitehaven beat Wakefield Trinity by 24–12. Hunslet drew with Salford 32–32 to take them to a replay before going down by 52–10.Fletcher Howes 1995 189 Results from Fifth round:Fletcher Howes 1995 190 Fifth round Quarter-finals Semi-finals Final Batley 4 Wigan 70 Sheffield Eagles 7 Widnes 19 Warrington 6 Oldham 17 Keighley 0 Huddersfield 30 Hull Kingston Rovers 14 Whitehaven 18 Salford 10 Featherstone Rovers 30 Workington Town 94 Leigh 4 Leeds 44 Ryedale-York 14 Widnes 12 Wigan 26 Oldham 23 Huddersfield 12 Whitehaven 14 Featherstone Rovers 42 Leeds 50 Workington Town 16 Wigan 48 Oldham 20 Leeds 39 Featherstone Rovers 22 Wigan 30 Leeds 10 Statistics The following are the top points scorers in all competitions in the 1994–95 season.Fletcher Howes 1995 150 Most tries Player Team Tries Martin Offiah Wigan 53 Greg Austin Huddersfield 52 Nick Pinkney Keighley Cougars 46 Ellery Hanley Leeds 41 David Plange Hull Kingston Rovers 35 Mike Pechey Whitehaven 34 Gary Connolly Wigan 30 John Bentley Halifax 29 Alan Hunte St. Helens 29 Scott Limb Hunslet 29 Most goals (including drop goals) Player Team Goals Frano Botica Wigan 186 Bobbie Goulding St. Helens 158 Simon Irving Keighley Cougars 152 Martin Strett Rochdale Hornets 150 John Schuster Halifax 144 Mike Fletcher Hull Kingston Rovers 142 Graham Holroyd Leeds 135 Deryck Fox Bradford Northern 131 Simon Wilson Batley 127 Jonathan Davies Warrington 126 Kangaroo Tour 1994 Kangaroo tour of Great Britain and France The months of October and November also saw the appearance of the Australian team in Britain on their 1994 Kangaroo Tour. Other than the three test Ashes series against Great Britain (won 2–1 by Australia), The Kangaroos played and won matches against 8 Championship teams (Leeds, Wigan, Castleford, Halifax, Sheffield, St Helens, Warrington and Bradford Northern), 1 county side (Cumbria), 1 game against the Great Britain U/21 side and non-test international against Wales in Cardiff. The team was coached by 1973 tourist and 1978 tour captain Bob Fulton and was captained by Mal Meninga who was making his record 4th Kangaroo Tour as a player. Illawarra Steelers winger Rod Wishart, was the leading point scorer on the tour with a modern record of 174 points (beating Michael O'Connor's 170 from 1986) from 8 tries and 71 goals. For the second Kangaroo Tour in a row, Cronulla-Sutherland outside back Andrew Ettingshausen was the leading try scorer with 15, the same number he had scored in 1990. Great Britain's win in the first test at Wembley emulated the Lions first test win over the Kangaroos in 1990 and was the Kangaroos only loss of the tour. Wembley also saw the largest ever rugby league test attendance (not including World Cup games) in Great Britain with 57,034 on hand. This beat the opening test of the 1990 Tour at Wembley that had attracted a crowd of 54,569. game Date Result Venue Attendance1 2 October Australia 16 Australia def. Cumbria Cumbria 52–8 Derwent Park, Workington 4,2772 5 October Australia 16 Australia def. Leeds 16 Leeds 48–6 Headingley, Leeds 18,5813 8 October Australia 16 Australia def. Wigan 16 Wigan 30–20 Central Park, Wigan 20,0574 12 October Australia 16 Australia def. Castleford 16 Castleford 38–12 Wheldon Road, Castleford 11,0735 16 October Australia 16 Australia def. Halifax 16 Halifax 22–10 Thrum Hall, Halifax 8,3526 22 October GBR def. AUS 8–4 Wembley Stadium, London 57,0347 26 October Australia 16 Australia def. Sheffield 16 Sheffield Eagles 80–2 Don Valley Stadium, Sheffield 7,4238 30 October AUS def. WAL 46–4 Ninian Park, Cardiff 8,7299 1 November Australia 16 Australia def. St Helens 16 St Helens 32–14 Knowsley Road, St Helens 13,91110 6 November AUS def. GBR 38–8 Old Trafford, Manchester 43,93011 9 November Australia 16 Australia def. Warrington 16 Warrington 24–0 Wilderspool Stadium, Warrington 11,24412 13 November Australia 16 Australia def. Bradford 16 Bradford Northern 40–0 Odsal Stadium, Bradford 9,08013 15 November Australia 16 Australia def. Great Britain 16 Great Britain U/21 54–10 Gateshead International Stadium, Gateshead 4,11814 20 November AUS def. GBR 23–4 Elland Road, Leeds 39,468 Notes References Fletcher Raymond Howes David Rothmans Rugby League Yearbook 1995–96 1995 Headline Publishing Group London 978-0-7472-7817-7 "Club-by-club guide to the new season", The Independent, 19 August 1994 1994–95 Rugby Football League season at rlhalloffame.org.uk 1994–95 Rugby Football League season at wigan.rlfans.com Wigan's record Cup run at news.bbc.co.uk Great Britain Competitions 1994-1995 at hunterlink.net.au Championship 1994/95 at rugbyleagueproject.org Category:Rugby Football League seasons Category:1995 in English rugby league Category:1994 in English rugby league