English rugby's second tier gets Champ rebrand in new 14-club league

15/05/2025 12:25

• Operating standards and promotion still to be agreed
• 'It's a great competition, but we want standards to grow'

English rugby union's second tier will be rebranded as the Champ from next season in a move designed to raise standards and add greater aspiration and jeopardy for clubs. Beneath the glitzy launch, however, many questions still remain.

Simon Gillham, the Tier 2 chair, said that the new-look league of 14 clubs would bring a "gripping conclusion to the season" – with the top six entering a playoff tournament for the right to face the bottom-placed Premiership club for a promotion place.