Britain's top rugby league clubs, including the Bradford Bulls, were today praised for their development work.

The 2-0 series victory by the England Under-18 Academy over the Australian Schoolboys at the weekend was the catalyst for the approval.

The Bulls provided skipper Jamie Langley, pictured, who played in the second row, and centre Chris Bridge to the England team, who notched their first victories over opponents, who had won 95 of their previous 99 matches, and had never previously lost outside the Southern Hemisphere.

Rugby Football League chief executive Richard Lewis said: "The result is recognition of the great work being completed within the Tetley's Super League and National League clubs for producing quality players who are able to compete successfully at international level.

"Congratulations are due to head coach Mike Gregory and team manager John Kain, as well as a talented team of players and their support staff for giving British rugby league an incredible lift just weeks after the Lions returned a full Test victory. This is an exciting time for our sport."

England's 22-12 victory at Headingley on Friday sealed their first series victory over the Joeys since tours started in 1972.

The Lions Cubs had started the sequence by beating the Australian Schoolboys 28-22 in the first Test at St Helens two weekends ago.