In a seismic shift for English rugby, the PREM will adopt a franchise model starting the 2026/27 season, ending traditional promotion and relegation in favor of a 'criteria-based expansion and demotion model.' This overhaul, the most significant since rugby's professionalization in 1995, aims to enhance the league's competitiveness and financial stability. The top flight is set to expand to 12 teams by the 2029/30 season, contingent on meeting readiness criteria.
Under the new system, clubs aspiring to climb into the top echelon will need to pass through a rigorous 'expression of interest' process, evaluating their rugby prowess, financial health, and contributions to women's rugby and community engagement. From 2030, the RFU will impose 'Elevated Standards' for both PREM and Champ Rugby clubs, focusing on enhancing the match day experience and fostering commercial innovation.
"This is an important step forward for professional rugby in England,"
stated Mike McTighe, Chair of the Men’s Professional Rugby Board. He emphasized the necessity of this overhaul for financial sustainability and long-term confidence within the sport.
Simon Massie-Taylor, CEO of PREM Rugby, highlighted the collective ambition behind these changes.
"Our vision is to become the best league in the world – for fans, players, and investors,"
he asserted, noting the unified approach across the game's stakeholders to foster growth and stability.
Bill Sweeney, CEO of the RFU, acknowledged the significant departure from the traditional promotion-relegation model but maintained that the professional game must evolve to prosper. Similarly, Genevieve Shore, PWR Executive Chair, welcomed the collaborative effort to elevate standards, particularly benefiting the women's game.
Christian Day, RPA General Secretary, pointed out the critical role players will play in this new era. "Players are central to these plans," he said, underscoring the importance of player welfare and remuneration as foundational to the league's success.
The shift to a franchise model has stirred interest globally, with reports of a Tom Brady-led consortium eyeing a Birmingham-based PREM side. This move aligns with broader efforts to expand and enhance facilities, ensuring benefits are felt across both men's and women's rugby.
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In a seismic shift for English rugby, the PREM will adopt a franchise model starting the 2026/27 season, ending traditional promotion and relegation in favor of a 'criteria-based expansion and demotion model.' This overhaul, the most significant since rugby's professionalization in 1995, aims to enhance the league's competitiveness and financial stability. The top flight is set to expand to 12 teams by the 2029/30 season, contingent on meeting readiness criteria.
Under the new system, clubs aspiring to climb into the top echelon will need to pass through a rigorous 'expression of interest' process, evaluating their rugby prowess, financial health, and contributions to women's rugby and community engagement. From 2030, the RFU will impose 'Elevated Standards' for both PREM and Champ Rugby clubs, focusing on enhancing the match day experience and fostering commercial innovation.
"This is an important step forward for professional rugby in England,"
stated Mike McTighe, Chair of the Men’s Professional Rugby Board. He emphasized the necessity of this overhaul for financial sustainability and long-term confidence within the sport.Simon Massie-Taylor, CEO of PREM Rugby, highlighted the collective ambition behind these changes.
"Our vision is to become the best league in the world – for fans, players, and investors,"
he asserted, noting the unified approach across the game's stakeholders to foster growth and stability.Bill Sweeney, CEO of the RFU, acknowledged the significant departure from the traditional promotion-relegation model but maintained that the professional game must evolve to prosper. Similarly, Genevieve Shore, PWR Executive Chair, welcomed the collaborative effort to elevate standards, particularly benefiting the women's game.
Christian Day, RPA General Secretary, pointed out the critical role players will play in this new era. "Players are central to these plans," he said, underscoring the importance of player welfare and remuneration as foundational to the league's success.
The shift to a franchise model has stirred interest globally, with reports of a Tom Brady-led consortium eyeing a Birmingham-based PREM side. This move aligns with broader efforts to expand and enhance facilities, ensuring benefits are felt across both men's and women's rugby.