Plans to scrap Super League relegation for top clubs among rugby league proposals

Relegation would be scrapped for 'Category A' Super League clubs under proposals by sports management company IMG after the sport's "most comprehensive consultation ever".

Among the other proposals is a joined-up calendar with international matches.

There is also a push for a strategy to boost the women's and girls' games.

Not all of the clubs involved in Super League would necessarily be Category A graded, with highest-ranked Category B clubs making up the division.

Those clubs' performance, in terms of on-field and off-field criteria, would be monitored on a yearly basis to decide which clubs made up the elite Super League, as it is presently known.

The remaining clubs would fill the second and third tier divisions, currently the Championship and League One - with clubs continuing to move between those leagues.

The number of overseas clubs, such as French sides Catalans Dragons and Toulouse - who were both in the 2022 Super League - would be capped, and standards imposed to support growth domestically.

Clubs will have chance to provide feedback on the proposals at a meeting on 13 October.

Other recommendations by IMG include:

• A re-positioned calendar which optimises flow, narrative and engagement, incorporating regular "peaks" of interest and a compelling season climax.
• Operations to be centralised where this can maximise efficiencies and drive incremental revenue (e.g. ticketing and digital infrastructure).
• A new brand strategy to be introduced and aligned with the above commercial strategy.

More to follow.

• Super League Show - watch and catch-up here