Professional rugby league clubs have given their unanimous backing to a five-division league structure to be played throughout the summer months.

The 31 clubs supported a list of proposals for sweeping changes from the game's strategic review commission.

And they agreed to make �500,000 available from central funds to help clubs outside the top-flight, whose television deal with Sky has come to an end.

RFL chairman Sir Rodney Walker, who launched the review, hailed its reception as "a very significant day for rugby league".

He added: "I am delighted with the response we have received.

"It was important the game came to realise that we have to be serious about the way we run the game."

Among the endorsed recommendations were:

• Super League to retain 12 clubs until at least 2003 but to include six teams in the play-offs instead of five;

• The Association of Premiership Clubs to operate a 19-team league, before splitting into two divisions in 2003;

• Amateur teams to form a 10-strong National League Three in 2002;

• National League Four to operate from the summer of 2003;

• Non-Super League clubs to participate in a National League Cup that will be played by region until the latter stages.

Plans to turn the World Club Challenge into a six-team World Club Championship, to introduce a six-nations tournament and to bring back the Charity Shield were among the items deferred.

In other news, amateur clubs drawn at home against professional sides will now be allowed to retain home advantage.

Associate RFL membership has been awarded to the reformed Keighley club - which went into liquidation last season - while Gateshead Thunder were made full members.