Super League expansion: York and Toulouse Secure Promotion, Broncos Face Uphill Battle
London, England – October 18, 2025 – The Rugby Football League (RFL) has announced the outcomes of its Super League expansion process, confirming York and Toulouse’s ascension to the top flight. This decision means that several Championship clubs, including Oldham, Widnes Vikings, Doncaster, and London Broncos, will continue to compete in an expanded second-tier competition next season.
Broncos’ Bid Falls Short Despite Investment
The London Broncos,who have been actively rebuilding their franchise,were unsuccessful in their application for Super League promotion. This outcome arrives amidst a planned takeover by a prominent group featuring Australian rugby League legend Darren Lockyer, former Leeds Rhinos Chief Executive Officer Gary Hetherington, and businessman Grant Wechsel. Despite this disappointment, the new ownership group remains steadfast in its commitment to the club’s long-term success.
new Leadership and Player Acquisitions for London
The Wimbledon-based club recently appointed Jason Demetriou as their Head Coach on a three-year contract. Furthermore, they have bolstered their squad with high-profile signings, including former Australian international reagan Campbell-Gillard and Tongan hooker Siliva Havili. These acquisitions demonstrate a clear ambition to build a competitive team, regardless of the league they compete in. The Broncos finished tenth in the Championship last season.
Ownership Group’s Continued Commitment
Grant Wechsel,a leading figure in the new ownership group,previously affirmed that funding would continue even without immediate Super League promotion,a pledge he reaffirmed following the RFL’s declaration. “While we are naturally disappointed not to have been promoted and respect the process the RFL ran, our belief in this project and our direction as a club will not waiver,” Wechsel stated. “The game of rugby league needs a strong London team, and we will not stop until we return our club to the top level of the game.”
Other Clubs’ Disappointment
Oldham, who finished fourth in the championship, will not return to Super League for the first time since 1997. Similarly, Widnes Vikings and Doncaster also saw their promotion aspirations dashed. Huddersfield Giants and Hull FC had already secured their Super League places through the IMG grading results announced earlier this week.
Championship Standings and Future Prospects
The expanded Championship will present a competitive landscape for teams seeking to prove their worth and challenge for promotion in subsequent seasons. The focus will be on building lasting clubs with strong foundations and a clear pathway to the Super League.
| Club | 2024 Championship Finish | Super League Status (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| York | N/A (Promoted) | Super League |
| toulouse | N/A (Promoted) | Super League |
| London Broncos | 10th | Championship |
| Oldham | 4th | Championship |
| Widnes Vikings | N/A | championship |
| Doncaster | N/A | Championship |
The Evolving Landscape of Rugby League
The structure and governance of rugby league are continuously evolving to enhance competitiveness and financial sustainability. the IMG grading system represents a significant shift towards a more holistic assessment of clubs, encouraging long-term investment and community engagement. This approach is designed to create a more resilient and attractive league for both players and fans. The recent changes follow similar restructuring in other sports like European Football’s Premier League,highlighting a broad trend in professional sports to prioritize long-term stability over short-term gains.Changes to licensing and promotion criteria are anticipated over the next decade as the game looks to expand its viewership worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions About super League Promotion
- What is the Super League? The Super League is the top-tier professional rugby league competition in Europe, featuring the most established and competitive clubs.
- What is the Championship? The Championship is the second-tier professional rugby league competition, serving as a pathway to the super League.
- What is the IMG grading system? The IMG grading system is a new framework used by the RFL to assess clubs based on various criteria, including financial performance, fanbase, and community impact.
- Why didn’t London Broncos get promoted? Despite significant investment and new signings, the London Broncos did not meet the necessary criteria for Super League promotion as persistent by the RFL and the IMG grading system.
- What are the London Broncos’ plans for the future? The Broncos new ownership group remains committed to building a prosperous club and achieving promotion to the Super League in the future.
What are yoru thoughts on the Super league expansion process? Do you think the IMG grading system is a fair way to determine promotion and relegation?
Share this article and let us know your opinion in the comments below!
