The two sides contesting the National League One Grand Final have been told that whoever wins Sunday's decider will secure their place in Super League. Whitehaven and Castleford have been informed that they meet the criteria laid down for admission.
If Whitehaven win, they would begin Super League away from the Recreation Ground while it is redeveloped.
It means final hosts Widnes, who came second bottom in Super League, have had their relegation confirmed.
Whitehaven could play up to three home matches at Carlisle's Brunton Park, which hosted second division rugby for seven seasons from 1981-88.
The club hope to finalise the first phase of their redevelopment work by mid-October and say work would start almost straightaway on a new 1,000-seat stand.
It would increase the number of seats to more than 1,500 and lift the ground capacity to over 8,000.
Nigel Wood, the league's chief operating officer, said: "In applying for promotion, clubs are required to address stadium standards and financial performance. The two remaining clubs have satisfied the RFL in this regard."
"It's very good news and a relief as well," said Whitehaven chairman Des Byrne. "We were fairly confident, but there were always niggles at the back of your mind."
MMIX
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
We were fairly confident, but there were always niggles at the back of your mind
