Promotion and relegation scrapped in English rugby
Promotion and relegation are set to be scrapped in English rugby as part of a major shake-up. The Rugby Football Union Council voted to abolish the traditional system, with members backing the sweeping reforms by an overwhelming margin during a ballot, reports BritPanorama.
Under the landmark agreement, the Gallagher Premiership will transition to a franchise-based structure, marking a fundamental shift in how the top tier of English professional rugby operates. The restructure will take effect at the start of the 2026-27 season.
By the 2029-30 season, the top flight is planned to comprise 12 clubs operating under the new franchise arrangement. RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney expressed strong support for the changes following the council’s decision, noting that moving away from the traditional system represents a significant change necessary for the game’s evolution.
Sweeney stated, “The previous structure was not delivering the financial stability, investment confidence or wider system benefits the game now requires.” He underscored that this reform is about creating a sustainable model that supports the entire rugby community, from grassroots to the international stage.
A vote was initiated after extensive discussions with key stakeholders, including Premiership Rugby and the Rugby Players’ Association (RPA). Mike McTighe, chair of the men’s Professional Rugby Board, remarked that the previous system could not ensure financial sustainability or long-term confidence for the professional game.
Premiership clubs included in the top flight will have obligations regarding women’s rugby, either operating a team or funding a development plan, with penalties for non-compliance. An Expansion Review Group will be established to assess the league’s readiness for expansion, investor interest, and club preparedness before any new admissions.
These changes represent the most significant overhaul of English professional rugby’s competitive structure in the sport’s modern era. As the game navigates this transformative phase, the attention will now turn to how effectively these reforms secure the future stability of rugby in England and strengthen its grassroots foundations.
In what is a pivotal moment for the sport, the football field may soon reflect the complexities of this cultural shift — how the love of the game coexists with the demands of commercial viability.
