English Rugby Second Tier Rebrands Champ Rugby with New Playoff Promotion System

English rugby union's second tier will be rebranded as Champ Rugby starting next season, expanding from 12 to 14 teams with the addition of the resurrected Worcester Warriors and National One champions Richmond. The league will feature a new competitive format where the top six teams enter play-offs, with the champion earning the chance to be promoted to the Premiership by facing the bottom Premiership team in a play-off, contingent on meeting minimum operational standards. At the bottom, the 14th-placed team will face automatic relegation to National One, while the 12th and 13th placed sides will contest a play-off, with the loser facing the National One runners-up for the final second-tier spot. The rebrand emphasizes "aspiration and jeopardy," aiming to increase competitiveness, local revenue, and player development, supported by a £4.3 million funding pot and a strong commercial and branding strategy positioning Champ Rugby as "the proving ground for players, clubs and communities." The Rugby Football Union hopes this overhaul will strengthen the player pathway and create a more gripping season conclusion with higher stakes and better engagement for fans. The new structure draws inspiration from the French Pro D2 and Top 14 leagues but retains unique features tailored to English rugby's ecosystem.