North London Skolars and York have been given the green light to compete in next year's new-look Northern Ford Premiership.

The 30 professional clubs, represented by the decision-making Rugby Football League Council, agreed to set up a new five-division structure at Wednesday's meeting in Halifax.

No changes will be made to Super League but the 18-strong NFP will be expanded to accommodate the Skolars and York City from next March.

The extra two clubs mean that the NFP will split in two to form National Leagues One and Two.

As for the new National League Three, that will comprise two divisions of amateur clubs.

The elevation of the Skolars means that the capital, who already have the London Broncos, will have two professional rugby league clubs for the first time in 66 years.

North London, who currently operate in the summer-based Conference League, have been told to make minor improvements to their New River Sports Stadium.

The club, formed seven years ago by a group of students and current chairman Hector McNeill, are coached by former London Broncos player Mark Croston.

RFL executive chairman Richard Lewis said: "It's terrific news about North London.

"They have had to demonstrate a high degree of financial viability and we're happy to have them on board."

Lewis added that the new club would receive special dispensation to exceed the overseas quota because of the high proportion of Antipodeans living in the capital.

Non-Super League clubs are currently restricted to just one overseas player per club.

Two clubs, Workington and Hunslet, voted against the admission of the Londoners, but there was overwhelming support for the return of York, one of the league's oldest clubs.

Both York and North London have been ordered to lodge a minimum of �75,000 with the bank by the end of August to prove their financial viability.