Newcastle Thunder have been admitted to League One after the Rugby Soccer League ratified the change of possession led by chairman Keith Christie.
There have been fears Thunder would now not exist after earlier proprietor Semore Kurdi and Newcastle Rugby determined to withdraw.
Nevertheless, Christie and quite a few volunteers have pulled collectively to ship a plan which has been accredited.
Chris Thorman will keep as head coach, and Thunder will play at Kingston Park.
League One will now stay 9 groups, with Newcastle’s first scheduled recreation at dwelling to Hunslet on 17 March.
Thunder can even take their half within the revamped 1895 Cup competitors.
Whereas there may be nonetheless lots for the workforce to do to develop into totally operational for 2024, their preliminary grading by the IMG/Rugby Soccer League was 18th, which takes under consideration neighborhood footprint, potential catchment space, services in addition to on-field efficiency.
Specifically Christie and Jordan Robinson have been integral to restoring Thunder to enterprise, having been a part of the operation beforehand.
In a press release Thunder mentioned: “Work has now already commenced on participant and backroom employees signings, matchday operational necessities, business agreements, recruiting volunteers and an additional push on memberships.”
Thunder chairman Christie mentioned: “That is unbelievable information for the membership and I would wish to thank everybody who has enabled Newcastle Thunder to get to the beginning line in 2024.
“Issues regarded fairly bleak simply three months in the past however the groundswell of help for the membership and the excellent work of quite a few volunteers has resulted in right this moment’s announcement.”
Christie has so usually come to the rescue of Thunder together with different devoted volunteers, notably when the previous Gateshead membership underwent possession change after the 2009 season.
RFL chief government Tony Sutton mentioned: “We additionally congratulate Keith Christie, Jordan Robinson and the various different passionate rugby league supporters within the North-East who’ve made this doable.
“I do know this view will likely be shared by different golf equipment and supporters throughout the game who’ve loved travelling to Newcastle to observe rugby league during the last three a long time, and can stay up for the prospect of returning to Kingston Park in 2024.”