Gallagher Prem Rugby Set for Major Restructure, Franchise Model on the Horizon

A landmark agreement to reform the structure of professional rugby in England was approved overwhelmingly during a vote by the Rugby Football Union Council on Friday, signaling a major shift for the Gallagher Prem.

Franchise Model and the End of Automatic Promotion/Relegation

The proposal will transform the Gallagher Prem into a franchise model, with plans to expand to 12 teams by the 2029-30 season. Starting with the 2026-27 campaign, the traditional system of automatic promotion and relegation between the Prem and Championship will be replaced by a criteria-based expansion and demotion process.

RFU and Premiership Rugby Respond

RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney welcomed the move, saying: We recognise that moving away from a traditional system of automatic promotion and relegation represents a significant change. However, it is equally clear that the professional game must evolve if it is to thrive. The previous structure was not delivering the financial stability, investment confidence or wider system benefits the game now requires.

Sweeney emphasized that this reform is about safeguarding the future — creating a model that is ambitious, sustainable and capable of supporting the whole rugby community, from the grassroots to the international stage.

The decision follows months of collaboration with key stakeholders, including the RFU, Premiership Rugby, Championship Rugby, Premiership Women’s Rugby, and the Rugby Players’ Association (RPA).

Mike McTighe, chair of men’s Professional Rugby Board, added: This is an important step forward for professional rugby in England. It’s long been clear that the previous system was not delivering the financial sustainability or long-term confidence the professional game needs. This agreement therefore represents a collective responsibility to change that, with all of the stakeholders involved coming together to design a model that provides greater certainty for investors, a clearer pathway for ambitious clubs and stronger foundations for the whole rugby ecosystem.

Commitment to Women’s Rugby and Expansion Process

Premiership clubs will be required to operate a team in Premiership Women’s Rugby or fund a regional women’s development plan, facing fines for non-compliance. An Expansion Review Group (ERG) will be established to evaluate league readiness, investor interest, and club preparedness before initiating a formal Expression of Interest and tender process for prospective teams.

Premiership chief executive Simon Massie-Taylor explained: We are now firmly on the path to a more prosperous and brighter future for Prem Rugby. Our vision is to become the best league in the world – for fans, players and investors in current and future Gallagher Prem clubs – and these important changes throughout the game will help us achieve this.

Massie-Taylor further stated: The changes agreed today reveal unity across the game and will allow current and future club investors to confidently invest in our modern growth plan and the wider English club rugby eco-system.

Current Standings (February 27, 2026)

• Northampton Saints: 43 points
• Bath Rugby: 41 points
• Bristol Bears: 37 points
• Leicester Tigers: 36 points
• Exeter Chiefs: 35 points
• Saracens: 32 points
• Sale Sharks: 20 points
• Gloucester Rugby: 11 points
• Harlequins: 10 points
• Newcastle Red Bulls: 5 points

Looking Ahead

The restructuring of the Gallagher Prem represents a bold step towards a more financially stable and competitive future for English professional rugby. The shift to a franchise model aims to attract investment, foster long-term growth, and strengthen the entire rugby ecosystem.