A major overhaul of English rugby’s top tier is expected to be approved by the RFU on Friday, Sky Sports News understands. The governing body’s council will meet to ratify plans to turn the Gallagher Premiership into a franchise-style league that could grow to 20 teams by 2040.
The proposals would separate the Premiership from the rest of the English league system and end automatic promotion and relegation from the top flight. Initially, the elite league would expand from 10 to 12 teams by 2030, with further expansion possible if clubs meet agreed financial, commercial and on-field criteria. Rather than earning places through promotion, clubs would gain entry by satisfying those standards.
The revamp could open the door for clubs that folded in 2022/23 — Wasps, Worcester and London Irish — to return if they meet the requirements. The RFU and Premiership Rugby say the new model is intended to attract fresh investment into the game.
Second-tier leaders Ealing Trailfinders were unable to meet current Premiership standards, notably ground capacity, when applying for promotion under the existing system. No club has been relegated from the Premiership since Saracens in 2020, after a points deduction for salary-cap breaches; Saracens returned to the top tier in 2021.