In a dramatic restructuring of rugby league's second tier, the RFL has confirmed that Toulouse Olympique will not compete in next season's Championship despite finishing outside the relegation places.
French Connection Severed
The French club, which had been a strong contender for Super League promotion in recent years, finds itself unexpectedly sidelined as the Championship prepares to expand from 10 to 11 teams for the 2025 season.
This surprising development comes despite Toulouse securing a respectable sixth-place finish in the 2024 campaign, well clear of the bottom two clubs who faced automatic relegation.
Promotion Joy for York
While Toulouse face disappointment, there's celebration in Yorkshire as the York Knights secure their place in the expanded Championship. The Knights will join Wakefield Trinity and Sheffield Eagles in moving up from League 1, creating a strengthened 11-team competition.
The restructuring forms part of the sport's new grading system implemented by the RFL and strategic partners IMG, designed to reshape rugby league's professional landscape.
Grading System Reshapes Competition
Under the revolutionary new framework, clubs are assessed across multiple criteria including performance, facilities, finance and community engagement. This comprehensive evaluation determines their standing within the professional game.
The changes mark a significant departure from traditional promotion and relegation, with the grading score becoming increasingly crucial for clubs aspiring to reach the sport's top tier.
As rugby league continues its transformation under the IMG blueprint, more surprises may lie ahead for clubs across all divisions. The expanded Championship promises an intriguing battle next season, though notably without its French contingent.
