RFU set to confirm radical revamp for English rugby

A radical new structure for English rugby is set to be rubber-stamped by the RFU, with the Prem separating from the rest of the pyramid, and promotion and relegation scrapped.

26 Feb, 13:50 — 26 Feb, 14:15

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Why this matters

The proposed changes, particularly the separation of the Premiership and the scrapping of promotion/relegation, represent a fundamental shift in the competitive and financial structure of English rugby. This move often aims to provide financial stability for top-tier clubs and potentially attract more investment by creating a more predictable, closed league system. However, it also removes the aspirational pathway for lower-tier clubs and could impact the sport's grassroots development and overall competitive integrity.

ℹOnly 2 sources cover this story

Key entities

RFUGoverning body of English rugby Premiership RugbyTop professional rugby league in England Championship ClubsTeams in England's second-tier rugby league

Coverage Timeline

First report: BBC · 26 Feb, 13:50|Full coverage: All 2 sources within 25m|Window: 25m

BBC26 Feb, 13:50First to report