The Premiership will scrap traditional promotion and relegation from the 2026-27 season after a landmark vote by the Rugby Football Union. Instead of automatic promotion, ambitious clubs will apply to join based on criteria including financial stability, playing standards, and infrastructure. The league aims to expand from 10 to 12 teams by 2029-30, with a long-term goal of further growth.

Under the new system, clubs must complete a season in the Championship before being considered for promotion. Teams could still be demoted if they fail to perform or engage fans, but only if a stronger candidate exists. The change comes after three top-tier clubs - Wasps, London Irish, and Worcester - collapsed financially in 2022-23, raising concerns about the league's sustainability.

League officials believe the new model will attract more outside investment and reduce reliance on benefactor owners. The purchase of Newcastle by energy drink giant Red Bull last summer was seen as a significant vote of confidence in the league's future. Rugby Football Union chairman Mike McTighe said the previous system "was not delivering the financial sustainability or long-term confidence the professional game needs."