Go Unlimited with Magzter GOLD
Get unlimited access to 10,000+ magazines, newspapers and Premium stories for just
Try GOLD - Free
Shake-up for rugby structure
Liverpool Echo
|February 28, 2026
PROMOTION and relegation is set to be scrapped as part of a major restructure at the top of English club rugby.
Olly Woodburn of Exeter Chiefs during the Prem Rugby Cup match between Exeter Chiefs and Bath Rugby at Sandy Park
(LEILA COKER)
A landmark agreement to reform the structure of professional rugby in England was approved “overwhelmingly” during a vote by the Rugby Football Union Council on Friday.
The proposal will turn the Gallagher Prem into a franchise model, with 12 teams planned to be in the division from the 2029-30 season.
From the 2026-27 campaign, automatic promotion and relegation between the Prem and Championship will be replaced by a criteria-based expansion and demotion model.
RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney welcomed the move, saying: “We recognise that moving away from a traditional system of automatic promotion and relegation represents a significant change.
This story is from the February 28, 2026 edition of Liverpool Echo.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Turkish delight can lead to lucky SEVEN
'WE MUST PLAY BETTER IN THE AWAY LEG' INSISTS SLOT
3 mins
February 28, 2026
Liverpool Echo
UK's first deep geothermal power plant set to deliver electricity 24/7
THE UK's first deep geothermal plant generating power from heat miles underground - and producing lithium for car batteries - is switching on in Cornwall.
3 mins
February 28, 2026
Liverpool Echo
The shame shouldn't be on our side
Self-harm, body dysmorphia and assault have fuelled television's Ashley James's rallying cry for women in her first book, Bimbo.
4 mins
February 28, 2026
Liverpool Echo
Cross-border attacks lead to 'open war' claim
PAKISTAN and Afghanistan exchanged cross-border attacks overnight in a dramatic escalation of tensions that led to Pakistan’s defense minister to say yesterday that the two countries are in a state of “open war.”
1 mins
February 28, 2026
Liverpool Echo
Drug offence charges after raids by police
THREE men have been charged in connection with drug offences following raids in north Liverpool.
1 min
February 28, 2026
Liverpool Echo
Blues dealt a blow as Alcaraz out for month
EVERTON will be without the services of Carlos Alcaraz for up to a month after the Argentine midfielder pulled up in training prior to the Blues' 1-0 defeat to Manchester United on Monday evening.
1 mins
February 28, 2026
Liverpool Echo
Slot in the dark over when Wirtz will return
FLORIAN Wirtz has been ruled out of Liverpool's Premier League clash against West Ham United this weekend - with Arne Slot admitting he has no idea when the attacking midfielder will return.
1 mins
February 28, 2026
Liverpool Echo
Goals will flow again for Mo insists Slot
ARNE Slot is convinced Mohamed Salah will rediscover his goalscoring touch - and believes the Egyptian isn't the only Liverpool forward to have lost his potency in front of goal.
2 mins
February 28, 2026
Liverpool Echo
Singer: Heart condition been 'a blessing in ways'
SINGER Max George has said his heart condition has been “a blessing in ways” as he discussed the importance of charity work and raising awareness.
1 min
February 28, 2026
Liverpool Echo
CASUAL SECTS
How entrepreneur built a fashion brand from 1980s football terrace culture
4 mins
February 28, 2026
Listen
Translate
Change font size