Prem: Relegation canceled as league switches to franchise style model

Traditional promotion and relegation to and from the Premier League will be scrapped from the start of the 2026-27 season following a vote on historic changes in English rugby.

Rather than having a play-off chance to replace the bottom side of the Prem by finishing top of the Second Division Championship and meeting the minimum criteria for the First Division, ambitious clubs will instead apply to join and be judged across a range of criteria.

Bids will be evaluated based on level of play, financing, investment potential, infrastructure and how its geographic base can help spread Prem’s appeal.

The league hopes to expand to include 12 teams, from the current 10, for the 2029-30 season.

“It has long been clear that the previous system was not providing the financial sustainability or long-term confidence that the professional game needs,” said Mike McTighe, Chairman of the Men’s Professional Rugby Board.

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