The Rugby Football League Championship is facing significant uncertainty regarding its fixture schedule. The upcoming season, set to begin in 2026, has not yet finalized its format despite the confirmed merger of the Championship and League 1 into a single, larger division.
Fixture Uncertainty for 2026 Season
The new league will include 21 teams following the promotion of York and Toulouse to the Super League. Traditionally, fixture lists are published in November, but the current lack of clarity poses challenges for clubs and fans alike.
- The traditional fixture format would result in a 40-round season.
- Clubs will face each other at least once in the new structure.
However, due to the merger, this traditional format may not be feasible. The Rugby Football League (RFL) has indicated that some form of loop fixtures will likely be implemented, mirroring matches based on the previous season’s standings. For instance, Oldham may compete against teams that finished higher in the Championship, while Newcastle, who ended up at the bottom of League 1, could have matches against lower-ranked teams like Keighley.
RFL Leadership and Future Decisions
The outgoing RFL CEO has commented on the ongoing uncertainty, stating that a definitive structure is yet to be determined. Recent discussions revolved around whether the Super League would expand to 14 teams or maintain its current size of 12. These decisions directly impact how the Championship will be organized.
When asked about any updates on the Championship’s fixture planning, the CEO noted, “I’m afraid I can’t give you one because it was heavily dependent on the outcome of the panel decision about whether Super League was going to 12 or 14 clubs.”
Promotion and Relegation Proposals
Looking ahead, final decisions regarding promotion and relegation will be made before the end of the year. The current gradings are crucial in determining which teams will participate in the Super League by 2027. The strategic review committee is scheduled to present its findings to the RFL Council in December, marking a key milestone in the league’s structural evolution.
This upcoming review will help clarify uncertainties surrounding team placements and competitive structures. The outcomes will influence not only the Championship but the future of the sport nationwide.
