• RFU council approves change from 2026-27 season

• ‘The professional game must evolve if it is to thrive’

English rugby has adopted a franchise system for the first time with promotion and relegation from the Prem scrapped from the end of this season.

In the biggest change to the club game since the introduction of a formal league in 1987, the Rugby Football Union’s council voted overwhelmingly in favour of proposals to ringfence the existing 10-team Prem on Friday, with a view to expanding to 12 clubs in 2029-30.