English Rugby’s Bold New Era: Franchise Model Set to Reshape the Premiership
English club rugby is on the cusp of a dramatic transformation. A landmark agreement, approved “overwhelmingly” by the Rugby Football Union (RFU) Council on Friday, February 27, 2026, will witness the Gallagher Premiership move away from a traditional promotion and relegation system to a franchise model. This shift, planned for full implementation by the 2029-30 season, marks a pivotal moment for the sport in England.
The End of Automatic Promotion and Relegation
For decades, the threat of relegation and the promise of promotion have been cornerstones of the English rugby landscape. However, the RFU believes this system is no longer sustainable for the professional game. From the 2026-27 season, automatic movement between the Premiership and Championship will be replaced by a criteria-based expansion and demotion process. This means clubs will need to meet specific standards to either join or remain in the top flight.
Why the Change? A Focus on Financial Stability
RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney emphasized that the previous structure wasn’t delivering the “financial stability, investment confidence or wider system benefits the game now requires.” The move to a franchise model is intended to attract investment, foster long-term planning and create a more robust financial foundation for Premiership clubs. This is a response to concerns about the financial health of several clubs in recent years.
A 12-Team Future and Expansion Criteria
The vision is a 12-team Premiership, offering greater consistency and marketability. Before clubs can express interest in joining the league, an Expansion Review Group (ERG) will be established to assess league readiness, investor appetite, and club preparedness. This rigorous evaluation process aims to ensure that any new entrants are financially sound and committed to the long-term success of the league.
Impact on Women’s Rugby
The reforms aren’t solely focused on the men’s game. Premiership clubs will now be required to either operate a team in Premiership Women’s Rugby or fund a “meaningful regional women’s development plan.” Failure to comply will result in financial penalties. This demonstrates a commitment to growing the women’s game and integrating it more fully into the professional rugby structure.
Investor Confidence and a Brighter Future
Premiership Rugby chief executive Simon Massie-Taylor believes the changes will unlock significant investment. He stated the goal is to become “the best league in the world – for fans, players and investors.” The new model aims to provide investors with the certainty they need to commit to long-term growth plans.
What Does This Mean for Championship Clubs?
Even as the path to the Premiership becomes less direct, the criteria-based system offers Championship clubs a clear set of goals to strive for. Meeting the financial and infrastructure requirements set by the ERG will be crucial for any club hoping to join the top flight. The focus shifts from on-field performance alone to a broader assessment of a club’s overall viability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When will the franchise model be fully implemented?
A: The full transition to the franchise model is planned for the 2029-30 season.
Q: What happens to promotion and relegation in the short term?
A: From the 2026-27 season, automatic promotion and relegation will be replaced by a criteria-based expansion and demotion model.
Q: How will clubs be assessed for entry into the Premiership?
A: An Expansion Review Group (ERG) will assess clubs based on financial stability, infrastructure, and commitment to the women’s game.
Q: Will this change impact the quality of rugby played?
A: The RFU and Premiership Rugby believe that increased financial stability and investment will ultimately lead to a higher quality of rugby.
Did you know? The move to a franchise model aligns English rugby with other major sports leagues around the world, such as the NFL and NBA, which also operate without automatic promotion and relegation.
Pro Tip: Championship clubs looking to position themselves for future Premiership entry should prioritize financial planning and investment in infrastructure.
What are your thoughts on the new franchise model? Share your opinions in the comments below!
