Imagine the roar of the crowd, the clash of titans, the sheer elation of victory... Now, picture that dream realized for two more teams! York Knights and Toulouse Olympique have defied expectations and earned their coveted spots in the expanded Super League. But here's the kicker: this isn't just about adding teams; it's about shaking up the entire landscape of rugby league.
York and Toulouse Ascend to Rugby League's Pinnacle
In a move that will send shockwaves through the sport, York Knights and Toulouse Olympique will join an expanded 14-team Super League next season. An independent panel rigorously evaluated applications, ultimately selecting these two teams to compete in rugby league's top tier. This decision marks a pivotal moment for both clubs and the sport as a whole.
Bradford Bulls were also promoted to Super League, replacing the Salford Red Devils. This means that three Championship teams will move up to the top flight from 2026. This change is thanks to jumping from 16th to 10th in this year's grading system.
Earlier this year, the Super League's 12 current clubs voted to expand the competition (https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-league/articles/cr5r4lvm599o) to 14 teams from next season. This is the first time the league will have operated with that many teams since 2014. What does this expansion really mean for the league's competitive balance? Will it dilute the talent pool, or will it inject fresh energy and excitement?
A Historic Moment for York and Toulouse
For York, this promotion is nothing short of a fairytale. It marks their debut in the Super League, a dream long in the making. Toulouse, on the other hand, will make a return to the top tier after a brief stint in 2022. Can they build on their past experience and establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with this time around?
Nine applications were submitted and meticulously reviewed by a panel of experts. This panel included Lord Jonathan Caine, non-executive Rugby Football League (RFL) directors Abi Ekoku and Dermot Power, RFL chief executive Tony Sutton, interim head of legal Graeme Sarjeant, RL Commercial managing director Rhodri Jones, and Super League (Europe) board member Peter Hutton. Talk about a thorough process!
The panel's evaluation criteria were stringent, focusing on each club's financial performance in 2025, their financial forecasts for 2026-2028, and their capacity to "field a competitive team in 2026 and beyond." This wasn't just about past achievements; it was about ensuring long-term viability and competitiveness.
York, crowned champions of the Championship table and winners of the League Leaders' Shield this season, also triumphed at Wembley, lifting the 1895 Cup. Founded as a phoenix club in the early 2000s, their journey to the Super League is a testament to resilience and determination. The city hasn't seen top-level rugby league since 1985-86, making this promotion a momentous occasion for fans and the local community. Can York adapt to the intensity of the Super League after such a prolonged absence?
Toulouse, established in 1937, faced adversity during World War Two, being forced to switch to rugby union under the Vichy regime. However, they returned to rugby league in 1945 and quickly made their mark, reaching successive French Championship finals. They were the first French club to reach the semi-finals of the Challenge Cup in 2005. The club briefly joined the British league system between 2009 and 2010, and have played consistently in it since 2016. Toulouse were relegated from Super League after finishing bottom in their only stint in the top flight three years ago, and stunned York earlier this month to win the Championship Grand Final. Does their recent Championship Grand Final win against York give them a psychological edge going into next season?
Lord Caine emphasized that the panel's decision was unanimous, praising Toulouse and York as "worthy and deserving additions" to the Super League. "They were 13th and 14th on the club gradings, with a significant lead on any of the other applicants from the Championship," he stated. "It was always the panel's intention to use those gradings as one of the criteria in our deliberations, along with enhanced financial scrutiny and an assessment of competitiveness."
Disappointment for Others
Unfortunately, the promotion of York and Toulouse means disappointment for other Championship applicants. Oldham, Widnes Vikings, Doncaster, and London Broncos will remain in the second tier. This is where it gets controversial... was the selection process truly fair, or did other factors influence the decision?
The exclusion of London Broncos is particularly noteworthy, especially considering a proposed new ownership group led by Australian legend Darren Lockyer, former Leeds Rhinos CEO Gary Hetherington, and businessman Grant Wechsel. The Broncos have already made significant moves, appointing Jason Demetriou as head coach and signing international stars like Reagan Campbell-Gillard and Siliva Havili. They finished 10th in the Championship last season, but Wechsel has reaffirmed the ownership group's commitment to funding the club even without Super League promotion.
"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 said. "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. Darren Lockyer and I are determined people, and today's decision will serve as strong motivation to drive our success in 2026 and prove people wrong."
Oldham, Widnes, and Doncaster also face another season outside the Super League. Each club has its own unique history and ambitions, and the competition for promotion will undoubtedly be fierce next season.
Huddersfield Giants and Hull FC also bid, but they were already assured of a Super League place for next season through Thursday's IMG grading results.
Analysis: Ambition Fuels the Future
According to BBC Sport rugby league reporter Matt Newsum, York and Toulouse were the "next best" in the overall IMG grading rankings, making them strong candidates for Super League expansion. The panel sought evidence of financial sustainability and growth potential, qualities that both clubs demonstrated in their applications.
For York, this promotion is a remarkable achievement, considering their past struggles and nomadic existence. Their current home at the LNER Stadium, combined with a successful season under coach Mark Applegarth and a strong women's team already in the Super League, positions them as a promising addition to the top tier.
Clint Goodchild's investment in both teams will be crucial as York aims to close the gap on their Super League rivals. But this is the part most people miss... Can York maintain their momentum and avoid becoming just another flash in the pan?
Toulouse, despite a challenging Super League campaign in 2022, have ambitious owners willing to invest in building a competitive team. With Catalans Dragons also in the competition, there's a sense of solidarity among the French clubs, particularly in addressing concerns about away support and television revenue contributions. Sylvain Houles faces a significant challenge in preparing for the next season, given the limited time and logistical hurdles. However, the grading system may provide them with more time to match their off-field success on the pitch. Will the French clubs be able to silence their critics and prove their worth in the Super League?
Reduced central funding for the new clubs could present a challenge, requiring significant financial backing from their owners to remain competitive. This raises a critical question: will the financial disparities within the Super League create an uneven playing field? What do you think? Are York and Toulouse truly ready for the Super League, or are they setting themselves up for a fall? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
