Relegation is set to be scrapped for rugby league’s leading clubs - and Super League itself could become a thing of the past, too.
The sport’s new strategic partner IMG has unveiled its plans to finally help rugby league fulfil its potential. After months of analysis, recommendations were put forward yesterday to the 37 Super League, Championship and League 1 clubs on how the sport can move forward. RFL chairman Simon Johnson said the reaction of the clubs was “broadly positive” even though it could result in significant change with traditional promotion and relegation set to be disbanded after next year.
That’s because IMG have proposed a new club grading system to be based on a range of on and off field measures. It will be delivered with the aim of supporting financial sustainability and encouraging investment into clubs. ‘Category A’ clubs will be guaranteed participation in the top tier whilst ‘Category B’ clubs will be re-assessed annually with the highest-ranking clubs occupying the remaining slots in the top tier.
