The English rugby revamp set for confirmation today at the Rugby Football Union council meeting represents one of the most significant shifts in the professional game since the league system began in 1987. At the heart of this RFU Premiership expansion lies a decision to separate the Gallagher Premiership from the rest of the rugby pyramid, immediately suspending traditional promotion and relegation. This move, long discussed behind closed doors, aims to deliver greater financial stability, elevate playing standards, and make the elite tier far more attractive to investors and broadcasters alike.
For online readers passionate about English rugby structure and the future of club competition, the changes signal a new era. Instead of relying on one-up, one-down mechanics that have often exposed clubs to unsustainable financial pressures, the Gallagher Prem will operate as an expansion league. The current 10-team top flight will grow to 12 sides by 2030, with the possibility of further increases—potentially reaching 20 clubs by 2040—if aspiring teams satisfy rigorous, revamped criteria.
Core Elements of the RFU English Rugby Revamp
Under the proposed framework, any club can apply for a place in the expanded Gallagher Premiership. However, success will depend on meeting multifaceted standards that go well beyond on-field results. Financial sustainability, commercial strength, fanbase size, stadium capacity and quality, plus long-term growth potential will all be assessed. This holistic approach addresses past issues where dominant Championship sides, such as Ealing Trailfinders, repeatedly failed to progress despite consistent league success, largely due to insufficient infrastructure.
Moreover, the English rugby revamp preserves an element of aspiration for lower-tier clubs. Ambitious Championship teams like Coventry, or entirely new entities, will have a clear route to apply when expansion slots open. Dormant powerhouses also stand to benefit. Wasps, currently planning a relaunch in Kent, Worcester Warriors, and London Irish—all of which collapsed during the 2022-23 season—could eventually return to the top flight once they rebuild sustainably. This controlled entry system ensures that only clubs ready to compete at the highest level join the Gallagher Premiership, thereby protecting the league’s overall quality.
Furthermore, the suspension of automatic promotion and relegation brings immediate relief to current Premiership clubs. No team has been relegated since Saracens dropped down in 2020 following a salary-cap breach, and Saracens themselves were the last side promoted after winning the Championship in 2021. The new model eliminates the constant threat of demotion while still maintaining performance pressure through licensing reviews.
Historical Context and Rationale Behind the Changes
English rugby has operated a merit-based pyramid for nearly four decades, yet recent seasons have highlighted its vulnerabilities. Financial collapses, stadium shortfalls, and inconsistent investment have repeatedly undermined stability. RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney highlighted this challenge last year, stating: “We are looking at a range of different options to make the Premiership thriving, exciting and a really interesting place to invest in. Part of that will be a model whereby you qualify for an expansion league in the Premiership, but based on criteria around financial sustainability, fanbase and stadium, not just performance on the field of play.”
A senior executive echoed this sentiment, noting: “We are lifting the bar on what we want clubs to do across various areas.” Sources close to the process confirm that Championship boards have been consulted extensively and have endorsed the recommendations, despite earlier reservations about franchise-style ideas. One insider described the potential impact as “transformational for aspirational Champ clubs.”
In addition, the RFU Premiership expansion aligns with broader efforts to professionalise the game. The second tier, now rebranded as Champ Rugby for the 2025-26 season, will continue to develop talent and provide competitive pathways, but without the unrealistic expectation that every champion must immediately step up to Premiership level.
Key Differences: Current vs Proposed English Rugby Structure
| Aspect | Current System | Proposed RFU English Rugby Revamp |
|---|---|---|
| Promotion/Relegation | Play-off between Champ winner and Prem bottom club | Suspended; replaced by application and criteria |
| Premiership Size | Fixed at 10 teams | Expand to 12 by 2030; potential for 20 by 2040 |
| Entry Criteria | Primarily on-pitch + basic standards | Financial, commercial, fanbase, stadium + performance |
| Relegation History | Last in 2020 (Saracens) | None after approval |
| New Club Opportunities | Limited; Ealing Trailfinders blocked | Open to revived clubs (Wasps, Worcester, London Irish) and ambitious sides |
This table illustrates how the English rugby revamp shifts from a rigid, high-risk model to a more strategic, growth-oriented framework.
Benefits and Potential Challenges for Fans and the Wider Game
Supporters of English rugby will ultimately gain from stronger, better-resourced clubs capable of producing higher-quality matches and attracting global talent. The RFU Premiership expansion promises more competitive balance, reduced financial volatility, and increased commercial opportunities that can flow down to grassroots levels. However, some traditionalists may lament the end of pure meritocracy, arguing that the changes reduce the romantic “any team can rise” narrative.
Nevertheless, evidence from similar models in other sports suggests that well-managed franchise or licensing systems can enhance long-term health without stifling ambition. By raising the bar across financial, commercial, and operational areas, the Gallagher Premiership can become a destination league that draws investment and inspires the next generation of players and fans.
Looking ahead, expressions of interest for expansion slots could emerge as early as 2027, giving clubs time to prepare robust applications. The RFU will continue to oversee the process, ensuring alignment with national team priorities and overall game development. For those deeply invested in English rugby structure, today’s expected council decision marks a pivotal moment—one that balances preservation of elite standards with sustainable growth.
In summary, this comprehensive English rugby revamp, centred on the RFU Premiership expansion, positions the Gallagher Premiership for a brighter, more resilient future. By ending automatic promotion and relegation and introducing criteria-based entry, the changes promise to elevate every aspect of club rugby while keeping pathways open for worthy challengers. As the sport evolves, fans can look forward to a more stable, exciting, and professionally run top tier that truly reflects the ambition and potential of English rugby.
The focus now turns to implementation. Clubs across all divisions must adapt to the new realities, investing wisely in infrastructure, commercial operations, and playing squads. For online readers following every development in English rugby, the coming months will reveal exactly how this landmark RFU decision translates into on-field success and off-field stability. Ultimately, the English rugby revamp aims to create a Premiership that is not only competitive but commercially thriving—benefiting players, supporters, and the wider rugby community for years to come.
