The Tier 2 Board has been working over recent months to create a new and improved league, starting next season, with a vision to inspire and engage current and future generations of rugby fans, while also bringing commercial sustainability and growth to its clubs.  We look forward to bringing updates on our plans in the coming weeks.

We were disappointed that the audit on minimum operating standards for the Premiership means that there will be no promotion or relegation between the Premiership and Tier 2 next season.  Aspiration and jeopardy are the lifeblood of sporting competition and ensuring Tier 2 clubs always have a realistic chance of moving into the Premiership is key. 

Financial stability is vital and everything we’re putting in place to develop the second tier is to drive us towards that through improved standards and a more commercially attractive product that will bring in new fans.  We are working closely with the RFU, PRL and the MPRB to provide a joined-up rugby system to enable professional rugby in its entirety to thrive and prosper.