SAINTS are lauding rugby league's new TV deal and reiterating their confidence in the future strength and stability of Super League and Rugby League.

The RFL and Super League, hot on the heels of announcing a major restructuring of the league system and a new title sponsorship for Super League, today announced a new and significantly improved TV deal.

Saints chairman Eamonn McManus said: “This is a triumph for our sport and in particular for its premier competition - Super League.

"It is certainly a total endorsement of the new league structure adopted for 2015 onwards.

"The new system will improve the competitiveness and quality of competition throughout the season and the new media valuation clearly recognises and reflects that unequivocally.

“At a stroke this ensures solvency for all Super League clubs for the foreseeable future and provides confidence to fans and sponsors in equal measure. They have a lot to look forward to as long as clubs take a disciplined and realistic approach to their cost bases.

“We at St Helens have invested some £45 million in permanent equity investment over the last decade to cover operational deficits and the construction of our fantastic new stadium, Langtree Park, free of debt.

"It is therefore of great comfort to us that Sky have recognised the value of our sport and consequently the investment of its leading clubs.

“It has been very clear to me over this year that the senior executive of the RFL and of Super League have recognised the need for a new strategic and commercial direction for the benefit of all.

"That process and new focus has now been evidenced very clearly and leaves me confident that our game will continue to be an increasingly attractive proposition to players, spectators, sponsors and investors alike.

"The RFL are to be congratulated on a job very well done. Every level of rugby league and its supporter base will benefit greatly from the great strides forward that are being made.

“We have much indeed to look forward to.”