Plans to end automatic promotion and relegation for Super League revealed

Super League clubs’ status should be determined by both on- and off-field performance according to the recommendations of a comprehensive review into rugby league by media giants IMG.

Rugby league agreed a 12-year strategic partnership with IMG this year, aimed at reimagining and reviving the sport’s long-term fortunes. After months of consultation with stakeholders in the game, that was officially presented to the sport on Wednesday – with the reintroduction of a licensing system to determine participation in the top tier the most eye-catching proposal.

Clubs in Super League and the second tier, the Championship, would be graded either Category A or Category B. Those clubs deemed Category A would be guaranteed a place in Super League, while the Category B clubs would be re-assessed annually. If there are remaining spots in Super League, the highest-ranking B clubs will occupy the remaining slots in the top division. IMG have said that the criteria for grading will be announced before the beginning of next season.

It will then be introduced on an illustrative basis for 2024, before being rolled out in practice in 2025. A review of the salary cap and the marquee player rulings will also be undertaken. IMG insist that there will be not 12 clubs graded Category A in time for 2025, which both allows some Category B clubs to join Super League and to invest off the field to meet the criteria that allows them to become Category A clubs.

It has been insisted that on-field performance remains a part of the grading system, but it now looks like finishing bottom of Super League is no longer a guarantee of being relegated. Instead, that performance, coupled with off-field metrics, will determine a club’s category which in turn