Premiership Rugby to scrap promotion and relegation in 2026-27 overhaul

Traditional promotion and relegation within the Premiership will be scrapped from the start of the 2026-27 season following a vote on landmark changes to the structure of English rugby.

The current system, which offers the second-tier Championship winner a route to the elite level via a play-off provided they meet minimum standards, is to be dismantled.

Instead, ambitious clubs hoping to join the top flight will submit applications to be judged on a specific range of criteria.

Expansion plans and criteria

Bids from potential new entrants will be assessed based on their standard of play, financial health, and investment potential.

Infrastructure and the ability of a club’s geographical location to broaden the competition’s appeal will also be key factors in the selection process.

English rugby’s top tier currently operates with 10 teams but aims to expand to 12 sides for the 2029-30 campaign.

‘Proof will be in delivery’

The decision moves the domestic game closer to a franchise model, prioritizing economic viability over purely sporting merit.

Mike McTighe, chair of the Men’s Professional Rugby Board, insists the old structure failed to provide necessary security.

“It’s long been clear that the previous system was not delivering the financial sustainability or long-term confidence the professional game needs.”

Mike McTighe, Chair of the Men’s Professional Rugby Board

McTighe acknowledged that the move to effectively ring-fence the league would likely face questions regarding sporting integrity.

“We know there will be scrutiny, and rightly so. The proof will be in delivery: in improved stability, in renewed investor confidence, in tangible benefits to the women’s game and in sustained support for community rugby.”