By Paul Fletcher

Castleford were distraught after losing to Wakefield

The Rugby Football League has rejected an approach from Castleford Tigers to increase the number of clubs in Super League to 13 next season.

Castleford were relegated following defeat to Wakefield on Saturday and immediately sought an expansion.

"We have informed them there are no plans to move away from the pre-agreed format of 12 clubs," RFL spokesman Andrew Whitelam told BBC Sport.

"And no club meetings are set to take place in the near future."

Interview: Castleford chief executive Richard Wright

The system of governance for Super League was amended earlier in the season.

A key clause to emerge from that process was that the RFL and the Super League clubs would decide in conjunction the number of teams in the competition - with both parties having a right to veto any proposal.

So even if Castleford could secure backing from the required number of Super League clubs to expand next season's competition, the RFL would have the right to prevent them from doing so.

But Castleford could yet be handed a back-door reprieve if Whitehaven or Batley win next month's National League One Grand Final.

Only Hull KR and Widnes, who meet on Sunday in the qualifying semi-final, are eligible for promotion.

Castleford were relegated from the top flight when they lost 29-17 to fellow strugglers Wakefield.