Promotion and relegation from Prem to be scrapped as rugby moves to franchise model

Promotion and relegation from Prem to be scrapped as rugby moves to franchise model

RFU council approves change from 2026-27 season ‘The professional game must evolve if it is to thrive’ Promotion and relegation from rugby’s top flight is to be scrapped as part of a major restructure at the top of English club rugby after the Rugby Football Union council “overwhelmingly” voted to approve a move to a franchise model. From next season’s 2026-27 campaign, automatic promotion and relegation between the Prem and Championship will be replaced by a criteria-based expansion and demotion model with 12 teams planned to be in the division from the 2029-30 season. Continue reading...