Big news just dropped for Rugby League fans! The RFL is completely shaking things up, merging the Championship and League One into one powerhouse division from 2026. This move promises to supercharge competition and investment in the sport. What do you think this means for your favourite clubs?
A significant sports restructure is set to redefine the landscape of professional Rugby League outside the elite Super League from the 2026 Season, as the RFL confirms a groundbreaking decision to merge the Championship Rugby and League One Rugby competitions into a single unified division. This strategic move aims to invigorate the sport’s lower tiers, foster greater competition, and enhance commercial viability for numerous historic clubs.
The Rugby Football League has officially announced that the existing two-divisional structure for the part-time game will be superseded by a singular division, a confirmation that has been widely anticipated following extensive consultations. This shift is poised to create a more streamlined and dynamic pathway for clubs aspiring to reach the pinnacle of the sport, offering a fresh start for many.
While the new single division is confirmed, the precise fixture formats remain under consideration. The RFL is actively engaging with clubs from both the former Championship and League One, exploring various options to create the most attractive and compelling calendar. A final announcement regarding these formats, along with the specific number and identity of participating clubs, is slated for October 16.
Crucially, this restructuring means the highly debated ‘middle eights’ playoff system, which was scheduled to determine promotion and relegation between the Championship and League One at the conclusion of the 2025 season, will no longer be implemented. This abolition simplifies the end-of-season mechanics and provides greater clarity for clubs competing in the new combined league.
Despite the structural changes, the excitement of the play-offs will endure. The ultimate winners of the Grand Final in the new division will not only claim a substantial £100,000 prize but also earn 0.25 club grading points, a vital metric for future club assessments. Furthermore, the champions of what will now be the League One tier will still be awarded £25,000 and a coveted trophy, maintaining recognition for success at that level.
Nigel Wood OBE, who spearheaded the Strategic Review, underscored the logical progression of this decision, coming on the heels of the Betfred Super League’s expansion to 14 clubs in 2026. Wood highlighted the virtual unanimity among Championship and League One clubs that the previous two-divisional setup, particularly for League One, was not optimally serving the sport’s needs.
Wood articulated a clear vision, emphasizing the immense potential among the many historic and ambitious clubs operating outside the Super League. He expressed confidence that this new structure would not only lead to increased attendances and improved club finances but also significantly enhance their attractiveness to potential investors, fostering sustainable growth across the game.
Ultimately, the objective is to provide a compelling and attractive fixture list for all clubs below the Betfred Super League. The unified division ensures that every club will commence the 2026 Season with a genuine opportunity to clinch the Betfred Championship, reinforcing its status as a critical stepping stone towards achieving promotion to the prestigious Super League.
