BRADFORD Bulls insist there is 'no substance' to claims which have been launched against them by nearly 50 former players and staff employed by the former Bulls club before its liquidation in January.

It has been reported that 47 separate cases will be brought against the Rugby Football League, Bradford Bulls Northern Limited – the holding company of the Bulls when they were placed into liquidation – and the new company (new-co) that replaced them, Bradford Bulls 2017 Limited.

Cases will be heard at an employment tribunal this year as claimants seek to recoup lost money while the Championship side were experiencing financial difficulties.

Bulls statement read: "We are aware of a claim against our club, the RFL, and the administrator regarding employees of the liquidated company Bradford Bulls Northern Limited.

"Bradford Bulls 2017 Limited was granted a new license to participate in the RFL's competitions after being selected from potential bidders in mid-January 2017.

"Bradford Bulls 2017 Limited is a separate and completely unrelated company to the liquidated company, Bradford Bulls Northern Limited.

"The legal advice given concerning this matter is that there is no substance to this claim.

"As this is a legal matter, we are refraining from commenting further at this time."

The RFL have also refuted the claims against them.