The Rugby Football League (RFL) has announced the rankings of all the rugby league clubs under a new grading system. But what is the system? Ambi Nahal tells us what we know so far…
What is the grading system?
The grading system is a new way to rank rugby league clubs in order to determine which league they play in from the 2025 season onwards.
It’s a part of the new ‘Reimagining Rugby League’ strategy coming out of the new partnership between the RFL and the agency IMG to increase fan involvement within the sport. This will come into effect for the 2025 season after 86% of the teams in the Betfred Super League, Championship and League 1 voted in favour of the changes.
How are the teams graded?
Each team had to submit evidence against the five grading pillars that the score was calculated against. The pillars were:
- Fandom – looking at the size of the fan base and reward the clubs growing their base
- Performance – reward progression and wins on the pitch
- Finance – making sure clubs are financially stable
- Stadium – making sure that the facilities reach minimum standards, suitable for broadcast and fan experience
- Community – making sure that the clubs are making an active effort within their local community.
The pillars were not weighted equally in the overall score, with fandom and performance making up 25% each and community weighted at just 12.5%.
Based on their score, all teams have been placed in a Category – A, B or C.
For example, Wigan Warriors’ score of 16.87 puts them in Category A, while Leigh Leopards have a score of 12.45, so are in Category B.
What gradings have teams received?
Seven teams (all of which currently play in the Super League) are in the A Category, 12 teams in the B Category and another 12 in C.
Indicative Club Gradings have been announced pic.twitter.com/1H2jp2gaHi
— Rugby Football League (@TheRFL) October 25, 2023
What do the gradings mean?
Depending on what letter a team receives, they will be allowed to play in certain leagues from 2025.
A Category teams are guaranteed participation in the top-tier league – meaning no relegation, as long as their category status is maintained.
B Category teams can play in the top tier if there is space available. This means they can only get promoted from the Championship if the team that finishes bottom of the Super League has a lower overall score.
As an example, using the current grading, if Salford Red Devils were to finish bottom of the Super League next season and maintain their 13.80 score, they would still retain their spot – as no Championship side has a higher score.
C Category teams are only eligible to play in the Championship or League 1.
Are these gradings fixed?
No. The current gradings are the base mark for the 2024 season meaning that both the score and the category can change. Teams have all received their scoring for each pillar so they can focus on the areas they need to improve for the next season.
The next regrading will take place at the end of the 2024 season.
What has the reaction been?
There has been mixed reaction from both clubs and fans.
While some of the clubs have been pleased with their standings, Castleford Tigers are already appealing their score. Due to financial data being submitted after the deadline, their score may not be a true reflection of the club’s overall standing.
Under the new standings, they will be playing in the Championship. However, if their appeal is accepted, the Tigers may move up the rankings into the top 12, replacing Leigh Leopards in the Super League.
A team that may feel aggrieved by the new scoring points is London Broncos. They were promoted back to the top flight this month but they are currently ranked 24th overall – almost certainly relegating them back into the Championship, irrespective of their onfield performances.
For fans, their sentiments echo where their clubs stand in the rankings.
Toulouse fan Brian Davies is thrilled, as his team will likely be in the 2025 Super League:
This is a great reflection on the effort of so many people over the years to build the club sustainably. Hopefully we can continue that progress in 2024 and get back to Super League. Allez les bleus et blancs. #RugbyLeague 🏉🇫🇷🔵⚪️ https://t.co/gLPr9RSqOY
— Brian Davies (@BrianDavies12) October 25, 2023
On the other hand, another fan complains about the use of the system to determine which league teams will be placed in.
Highlights how terrible using the grading system for promotion/relegation will be @TheRFL Doesn't matter what you do on the field, just have a nice stadium (most share with football teams) some money and be in a good location. Protectionism at its finest #rugbyleague #superleague pic.twitter.com/Rvm5RdzVn5
— Chuck LeClurk (@Marty_Wagstaff) October 25, 2023
