RFU Approves Promotion and Relegation for Premiership and Championship

New playoff system and relaxed standards aim to create a more competitive and open rugby structure in England

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) has approved the reintroduction of promotion and relegation between the Premiership and Championship starting in the 2025-26 season.
A new home-and-away playoff will determine if the Championship's top team or the Premiership's bottom team will play in the top tier.
The RFU has also relaxed the minimum operating standards for promotion, allowing clubs to gradually meet requirements over four seasons.
An independently chaired Tier 2 board will oversee the Championship, enhancing its governance and commercial opportunities.
Championship clubs view this decision as a significant step towards a more open and competitive English rugby structure.