RUGBY League officials are convinced the entry of Perpignan into Super League is no gamble.

Representatives of the existing 12 clubs agreed to put the Europe back into Super League in 2006 at a crucial meeting in Warrington.

UTC, who were formed five years ago from a merger between long-established clubs St Esteve and XIII Catalan, will be known as Perpignan and be protected from relegation in their first two seasons.

They will also receive the same level of funding as other clubs, which currently stands at '800,000 a year, and may be allowed to exceed the overseas quota limit, which next season will be down to three players.

Under English coach Steve Deakin, they have proved themselves to be easily the best team in France, as illustrated by their recent cup final triumph over Carcassonne and their Challenge Cup run earlier in the year.

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