"Relegation scrapped" - RFU confirms major change to English rugby league structure

Under the proposed changes, confirmed by the BBC, the Prem would break away from the traditional league pyramid, with automatic promotion and relegation suspended. Instead, the top division would aim to grow from its current 10 teams to 12 by 2030, with the possibility of further expansion if aspiring clubs meet new performance and business benchmarks.

The revised framework could open the door for former Premiership sides such as Wasps, Worcester Warriors and London Irish — all of whom collapsed during the 2022–23 season — to rejoin the top flight in the coming years.

Currently, promotion to the Prem is decided via a play-off involving the Championship winners. However, Ealing Trailfinders — dominant in the second tier in recent seasons — have been unable to satisfy existing requirements, particularly those relating to stadium capacity.

There has been no relegation from the Premiership since Saracens were demoted in 2020 following a substantial points deduction for breaching the salary cap. Saracens also remain the most recent club to earn promotion, returning to the top tier after winning the Championship in 2021.

Under the proposed model, ambitious clubs would still be able to apply for inclusion in an expanded Prem. However, acceptance would depend on meeting updated standards that cover financial stability, commercial strength, on-field performance and long-term growth potential.

Figures within the English game believe the new structure would elevate standards across the board and increase the sport’s appeal to investors.

“We are lifting the bar on what we want clubs to do across various areas,” one senior executive said.

Sources indicate that applications could come from leading Championship sides such as Coventry Rugby, from reformed former giants like Wasps — who are planning a relaunch in Kent — or even from entirely new organisations.

Although Championship clubs had previously opposed a franchise-style approach, influential voices in the professional game say they have been consulted throughout the discussions and have backed the recommendation.

“It could be transformational for aspirational Champ clubs,” a senior source told the BBC.

Last year, RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney told BBC Sport: “We are looking at a range of different options to make the Premiership thriving, exciting and a really interesting place to invest in.

“Part of that will be a model whereby you qualify for an expansion league in the Premiership, but based on criteria around financial sustainability, fanbase and stadium, not just performance on the field of play.”