Bauer Media has announced that Rugby League Week is set to close.

Rugby League Week has delivered breaking news, features, opinions and the latest statistics to league lovers since 1970. It also founded the game’s highest honour, the Rugby League Week Immortals.

Nick Chan, CEO of Bauer Media said: “For more than four decades Rugby League Week has been a prominent voice connecting the game of rugby league to its fans. While it’s never an easy decision to close a brand with such a distinguished heritage, commercial realities and our focus on key consumer categories have led us to take this action.

“I want to thank all those who have worked on Rugby League Week over the years, in particular the current team of dedicated professionals led by Editor Shayne Bugden and Editor-in-Chief Martin Lenehan, who have consistently produced outstanding league coverage for the audience.”

Bauer has reached an agreement with the NRL for it to acquire the Rugby League Week Immortals, in addition to the magazine’s historical archive.

The final double issue of Rugby League Week will be published on 27 March.

Bauer will be discussing options with the impacted staff.