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

https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/f2319c7d9e46ce2c2cfffff85be1caf7c3b9f2e2/481_0_4560_3648/master/4560.jpg?width=140&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=a4e1fcb844470a485478b91b1594f21b

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.

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