RFL Propose Changes to Super League & Championship to Include Automatic Promotion & Relegation

The Rugby Football League (RFL) has revealed proposed changes to the structure of the Super League and Championship that could see the return of automatic promotion and relegation.

Three other plans to restructure the divisions have also been suggested, sale with two leagues of 12 teams, drug being divided into three divisions of eight midway through the season being the most radical change proposed.

Other options include a 12-team Super League and a 10 or 12-team Championship, with one club promoted and relegated, or a two-division Super League with 10 teams.

RFL CEO Nigel Wood said: “The interest already shown in these ideas has been very encouraging and I believe these new proposals will produce positive change and innovation across the whole sport.

“I do believe that we need to create a pathway into Super League but it is essential that we are mindful of the challenges that a straight re-introduction of promotion and relegation between part-time and full-time leagues would create.

“Whilst there is a recognition that the time is right for change, we fully understand the need to avoid destabilising the excellent progress that has been made in recent years.

“Consequently, addressing sustainable opportunities for clubs to progress has been at the forefront of our thinking and the reason why we have included a bold new approach to league structures within the Policy Review.”

Wood put the proposal to Super League club representatives 10 days ago and clubs will vote later in the year.

No changes will be made until the start of the 2015 season due to licensing periods.

The most radical option would see two divisions of 12 in the Super League and teams would play each other once, making up 11 fixtures, before splitting into groups of eight at the half way stage.

Teams would then play each other home and away to add 14 more matches.

This option would see a play-off series to concludes the season, with a Grand Final or play-off final determining the two 12-team divisions the following year.