Keighley's rugby league talent are set to leave the town in future as the Cougar conveyor belt comes to a juddering halt.

And management at the club have accused rugby bosses of "kicking them in the teeth" after authorities refused them the chance to play in a new academy League.

The decision leaves the club with nothing between the cubs side and the first team and no way of developing young players.

Development officer and Cougar legend Jason Ramshaw was told by the Rugby Football League this week that the club could not enter the new under-17 league due to be launched later in the year.

The club were hoping to set up a youth side to try and strengthen the infrastructure at the club and develop a base for the future - but now youngsters will have to go elsewhere.

Training had already begun for a youth side, with as many as 36 youngsters turning up for sessions.

"It is very disappointing for us," said Jason, who works closely with teenagers in the town.

"Youngsters will end up going to other clubs and probably playing against us a few years down the line."

New boss Gary Moorby, whose long-term plans for the club were built around the academy side, was infuriated.

"I am in despair," he said, on hearing the news. "It is absolutely ludicrous. Here we are trying to build a side for the future and they are kicking us in the teeth.

"It is crazy that the authorities are stopping us from developing youth talent. Isn't that what they want in the long run?"

Bill Appleton, player development manager at the RFL, said only 15 clubs were eligible to enter the academy league - and Keighley were not included.

He said: "There are strict criteria for this under-17 league, which is designed to help the development of the very best young talent around."

"A secure scholarship has to be in place, and that is something that Keighley do not have yet.

"I met with the club this week, and we are discussing other ways of developing young players with them."

Only the Super League clubs, plus Huddersfield, Hull and Leigh, are eligible to enter a side in the league, set to start in April.