- The Rugby Football Union (RFU) council confirmed plans that will allow the Gallagher Prem to remove promotion and relegation.
- The move would separate the league from the rest of the men’s English rugby pyramid and move instead to a criteria-based expansion and demotion model.
- The league will look to expand from 10 to 12 teams for the 2029-30 season, with scope to potentially grow further in the future if suitable clubs apply for inclusion.
- Expansion clubs will have to play at least one season in the Champ, and either have to operate a team in Premiership Women’s Rugby or fund a meaningful regional women’s development plan.
- RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney acknowledged the “significant change” to the league but welcomed plans to evolve the league, attract further investment and ensure English rugby’s top flight remains sustainable.
IN FULL
English rugby set for radical change as Prem ring-fencing and expansion plans approved
