Ticketmaster sign up with Rugby League

Ticketmaster has been granted official ticketing supplier status for the Rugby League, currently enjoying a boom in attendances thanks to the presence of clubs like Newcastle and Leeds United.

Both clubs continue to attract large attendances in their exile from the top flight. Newcastle currently top the Championship - the second tier - with Leeds top of the third tier.

Sheffield Wednesday, Sheffield United, Nottingham Forest and Derby County also draw impressive crowds despite their absence from the Premier League. Ticketmaster already provides ticketing services for almost half the Championship and League One teams in the Rugby League, including Cardiff City, Queens Park Rangers, Plymouth Argyle, Middlesbrough, Huddersfield Town, Carlisle, Bristol Rovers and Leyton Orient.

"The tender process to become an approved ticketing supplier for The Rugby League is always a rigorous one which we are delighted to have been successful in," said Chris Edmonds, managing director of Ticketmaster UK. "We are committed to offering our Rugby League clients access to innovative and world class retail and software ticketing solutions to help them engage with their fans."

David Malkinson, Rugby League marketing manager, added: "League clubs are always looking at ways to build long-term and profitable relationships with their fans. In order to support clubs our approved supplier programme helps them to choose those ticketing suppliers who are suitable for their business requirements."