The rebranded second tier of English club rugby, now called 'the Champ', kicks off this weekend amid familiar uncertainty over promotion and relegation. Despite a fresh look, the return of Worcester, and a new streaming partner, the league's future remains clouded by ongoing disputes between the Rugby Football Union (RFU) and Premiership clubs over a franchise-based model that would limit relegation.
Simon Gillham, chair of Tier 2 Rugby, insists that aspiration and jeopardy must remain central to the sport. However, he could not guarantee that the promotion goalposts would not shift mid-season. The best-case scenario sees no relegation from the Premiership and the Champ winner promoted, while the worst-case retains the current playoff system.
Coaches and players face continued contractual and funding instability. Bedford's Mike Rayer, with 20 seasons in charge, lamented the recurring cycle of false dawns. Coventry lost a potential American investor due to lack of clarity on Premiership admission, and former England centre Simon Halliday criticised the RFU and Premiership for prioritising commercial agendas over sporting merit.
Some Premiership owners argue that the commercial gap between the leagues necessitates change, but Ealing Trailfinders, despite strong backing, remain excluded. Chinnor's director of rugby Nick Easter opposes a franchise model, emphasising the importance of jeopardy and reward in European sport.
