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RFU Unveils Plans for Radical Revamp of Second Tier of English Rugby

The RFU has introduced a revamped league structure and a fresh brand identity called Champ Rugby for England’s level just below the Premiership, starting with a 14-team lineup in the 2025-26 season.
This change follows collaboration with clubs and stakeholders to develop a league structure that rewards ambition, supports player and club development, and aims to grow the sport sustainably.
Champ Rugby will feature 26 regular season rounds of home and away matches, followed by a six-team play-off culminating in a final to determine the champion who faces Premiership relegation play-offs.
Simon Gillham, Chair of the Tier 2 Board, described the new format as one that will create an intense and exciting end to the season, offering both motivation and risk, while highlighting the continued importance of maintaining minimum operating standards.
These reforms aim to enhance league identity, fan engagement, and club sustainability, while discussions continue on revising minimum standards and bridging the financial gap with the Premiership.

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The Independent

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RFU unveils plans for radical revamp of second tier of English rugby

The league formerly known as the Championship will grow to 14 teams, including a revived Worcester, and be known as ‘Champ Rugby’

1 day ago·London, United Kingdom

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The Rugby Paper

What the new Championship format could mean for English rugby

The Championship announced a rebrand and a new system this week in a promotional video, marking a new beginning for the second tier of English rugby. It will be called Champ Rugby under its new branding. The league has been criticised in the past regarding promotion and relegation to/from it, and having too much of a gap with the […] The post What the new Championship format could mean for English rugby appeared first on The Rugby Paper.

1 day ago

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holsworthy-today.co.uk

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bude-today.co.uk

Cornish Pirates to compete in rebranded Champ Rugby from next season

Second-tier to expand to 14 teams from 12 with play-offs at both ends of the division

1 day ago·Holsworthy, United Kingdom

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Rugbyrama

A New English Second Division Championship Was Created

The Championship now becomes the "Champ rugby", with 14 teams and a system comparable to the Top 14. Except this time, and this is the new thing, the champion will be able to play the climb against the last of Premiership.

1 day ago

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rugby-addict

Rugby: English Second Division Championship, Appeal ...

This league will consist of 14 teams with a promotion-relegation system that did not previously exist.

2 days ago

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Coventry Rugby

English rugby’s second tier reveals new competition format and brand as it gears up for the 2025-26 season - Coventry Rugby

New competition structure includes the introduction of both champion and relegation play offs – see competition format videoIntroduction of a bold new brand identity: Champ Rugby, The Proving Ground –view launch video and brand imagery A transformed competition format for the second tier of English rugby for the 2025-26 season and beyond, as well as a bold new-look identity has been revealed. Re-branded ‘Champ Rugby’, the competition will become…

2 days ago

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