Harlequins Rugby League have guaranteed Super League rugby for at least the next three years.

They were this week granted a three-year license to play in Super League from 2009-2011, during which time promotion from and relegation to the national leagues will be scrapped.

For the next three seasons, the league will consist of Quins RL and 13 other teams - Bradford Bulls, Catalans Dragons, Castleford Tigers, Celtic Crusaders, Huddersfield Giants, Hull FC, Hull Kingston Rovers, Leeds Rhinos, Salford City Reds, St Helens, Wakefield Wildcats, Warrington Wolves and Wigan Warriors.

Although critics claim the move will make the game stale, Super League chiefs hope it will improve standards.

Quins RL chairman Keith Hogg said: "I would like to thank everyone who worked so hard to submit a thoroughly professional bid.

"This is reward for a tremendous team effort.

"We must now rise to the challenge that the new 14-team Super League will bring. We will work very hard - on and off the pitch - to make this happen."

On the pitch, it was always going to be a big ask after losing 10 play-ers through injury and suspension - so it was little surprise when Quins crashed 66-12 at home to the bottom club Castleford on Saturday.

With Rikki Sheriffe, Tony Clubb, David Howell, Michael Worrincy and Louis McCarthy-Scarsbrook all suspended after last week's brawl with Catalans Dragons, and a further five players on the sick-list, Quins boss Brian McDermott had little squad left to play with.

And he admitted the situation prevented him giving his young guns, who have stepped up to the plate superbly in recent weeks, a much-needed rest.

He said: "The youngsters have been playing a few games now, and you need to give them a rest, but we haven't been able to do that.

"It's not great, but I'm not going to say anything negative. There wasn't a lack of enthusiasm.

"We had 10 missing today, so it was a pretty big ask. In adverse conditions, you find out about the character of the squad."

Chris Melling and Jon Grayshon bagged Quins' only tries, with Rob Purdham converting both, while ex-London Bronco Luke Dorn helped himself to a hat-trick against his former club.

Meanwhile, Quins are going back to their roots for their final Super League game of the season on September 7.

The club will host a London Rugby League Players Reunion, open to all players and staff from the club's very beginning as Fulham RLFC in 1980, taking in its London Crusaders and London Broncos days too.

Lucy Duncombe, the club's

player services manager, said: "Through the event, we want to acknowledge all players and coaches that have contributed to our club at all levels.

"That is why it is open to everyone that has been involved from the academy through to the first team.

"The Players Association we are forming off the back of this reunion will strengthen the bond through events and regular updates on the clubs progress and what past play-ers and staff are up to."