Of the 14 clubs who will compete in the elite division in 2009, only Leeds, Hull and Warrington ticked enough boxes to earn A-grade status, based on facilities, playing standards, finance and junior development.
Three others - Bradford, St Helens and Wigan - were awarded B grades, which virtually makes them secure in Super League while eight clubs are classed as being at risk by being given C grades, including newcomers Salford and Celtic Crusaders.
All 14 clubs were notified of their classification today, along with feedback from their licence applications and, for some, a warning to improve or risk losing their licence in 2011.
Wakefield and Castleford will be expected to press ahead with plans to move to new stadia while such as Huddersfield will be urged to increase junior development.
Richard Lewis, the RFL’s executive chairman, said: “The three clubs that received A-grade licences deserve special commendation as they are impressive both on and off the field.
“The goal for the other 11 teams is to look at the detailed feedback they have received this morning from the RFL on their licence application and work out what they need to do to achieve an A grade next time round. The hard work for many starts here.
“For clubs who have ambitions for new stadiums, they need to ensure by 2010 when the next licence application process starts, that they are more than just plans.
“The clubs that have missed out this time round will be even more determined to win a licence in the future.”
The League have confirmed that one club from the Co-operative National Leagues will be given a licence in 2011 subject to them meeting qualifying standards. This includes playing in a Grand Final between now and 2010.
Their promotion will either be at the expense of an existing club or through further expansion to 16 teams.
Meanwhile, the League have invited France to enter one of their domestic clubs in National League One from either 2009 or 2010 and are considering including teams from Scotland and Ireland in future seasons.
The new French club is expected to be Toulouse, who were unsuccessful with their Super League licence bid, but the final decision rests with the French Federation.
RFL chief executive Nigel Wood said: “We believe the inclusion of a French club in Co-operative National League One would add tremendous value and interest to the competition.
“Offering a place to a French club will also support the continued development of rugby league in that country.
“In fact, our sport is now played throughout England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland and in a growing number of European countries and the RFL wishes to capitalise on this to strengthen the game both in the UK and on the continent.”
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what do we want another french team in super league why dont catalan and toulose join forces .when catalan come over to england they bring over ten supporters if they are lucky . we are a northern game lets look after clubs like leigh and widnes swinton etc lets not try compete with the likes of football. we are northern people on northern wages. lets look after this great game of ours and the supporters the people that matter most