"Image source, SWPix York Knights and Toulouse Olympique will play in an expanded 14-team Super League next season after being selected to join rugby league's top flight by an independent panel. Bradford Bulls were promoted to Super League on Thursday having taken the place of financially troubled Salford Red Devils thanks to jumping from 16th to 10th in this year's grading system, meaning three Championship teams will move up to the top flight from 2026."
"The panel judged applications against each club's financial performance in 2025, as well as their financial performance and sustainability forecasts for 2026 to 2028 and their ability to "field a competitive team in 2026 and beyond". York, who finished top of the Championship table and won the League Leaders' Shield this season, in addition to lifting the 1895 Cup at Wembley, were founded as a phoenix club in the early 2000s."
"Their ascension to Super League means that top-level rugby league will return to the city for the first time since 1985-86. Toulouse were founded in 1937 and were forced to switch back to union under the Vichy regime in World War Two, but returned to rugby league in 1945 when the sport was permitted, reaching successive French Championship finals in the aftermath."
York Knights and Toulouse Olympique were selected by an independent panel to join a 14-team Super League next season, with Bradford Bulls also promoted after replacing financially troubled Salford Red Devils. Super League clubs had voted to expand from 12 to 14 teams, enabling three Championship promotions from 2026. Nine applications were considered by a panel including Lord Jonathan Caine and RFL directors, with decisions based on 2025 financial performance, forecasts to 2028, and the ability to field a competitive 2026 squad. York won the Championship and the 1895 Cup; Toulouse have deep historical roots and previously competed in the top tier.
Read at www.bbc.com
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