Promotion and relegation model in English rugby redefined following new MPGP deal

Promotion and relegation has been redefined in English professional rugby, following the new Men Profession Game Partnership. 

Whilst promotion to the Premiership has been reinstated for a number of seasons now, it has still been somewhat ‘ringfenced’ due to strict stadium capacity criteria; with only Doncaster Knights eligible to come up last year if they won the Championship title.

Following the new MPGP deal agreed today, there is now ‘increased flexibility’ for clubs in the second division, and they can move from 5,000, to 7,500 and then 10,001 at the start of their fourth season in Premiership at the latest as part of the revised Minimum Standards Criteria (MSC).

Promotion play-off structure changed

With the new criteria in place, there will now be much more of a chance for teams within the Championship to gain promotion to the Premiership, but they also now face a tougher route to the top flight.

Whereas in previous seasons, there has been a Championship final between the top clubs in the division, the RFU Council has now agreed there will be a two-match home and away play-off between the team that finishes top of the Championship and bottom of the Premiership – provided the Championship side meet the new MSC.

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Premiership Rugby Cup invitations

Championship clubs will also continue to be involved in the new Premiership Rugby Cup, with invitations to compete in the 2025/2026 edition already being extended.

Despite the largely positive news for the second-tier bottom side Cambridge and newly promoted Chinnor have been excluded from this season’s Premiership Rugby Cup.

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The Premiership Rugby Cup has seen some success for Championship sides though too, with Ealing Trailfinders reaching the semi-finals last year.

“Viable and sustainable second tier”

With the new guidlines outlined for promotion and relegation, there is an increased chance for clubs like Ealing Trailfinders and Doncaster Knights – who have been pushing for promotion for a number of years – and per the initial press release, Premiership Rugby have said ‘all parties want a viable and sustainable second tier’.

“All parties want a viable, sustainable, and valued 2nd Tier that can produce clubs capable of competing in the Premiership and providing the jeopardy and competition that keeps the league vibrant.”

Despite this, they also outline there is still a major gap to close between the Premiership and the Championship.

“However, there is currently a major gap in competitiveness and playing budgets between the Gallagher Premiership and Championship clubs and the financial requirements needed to compete in the Premiership.”

The new deal is a huge step in the right direction for all though, you would feel.

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