Rugby League Unveils Landmark Changes with IMG Grading System
In a significant move that will reshape the future of the sport, Rugby League recently announced the biggest changes in a generation. Through a groundbreaking partnership with IMG, each club will now be graded based on five comprehensive criteria, with the overall ranking determining the league in which they will compete.
The highly anticipated grading system will see the 12 highest-ranked clubs forming the elite Super League, while the remaining clubs will be distributed across the lower tiers. Notably, seven clubs have been granted the coveted Grade A status, the highest possible ranking, including Leeds Rhinos, Wigan Warriors, St Helens, Catalans Dragons, Warrington Wolves, Hull KR, and Hull FC.
“Speaking to an RFL media briefing, CEO Tony Sutton revealed the detailed timeline for the confirmation of these crucial gradings.”
The process will begin with a data capture phase for clubs from September 2nd to 30th, followed by an independent external assurance review. The final performance points will be determined by the outcomes of the Men’s Super League and Championship Grand Finals on October 12th and 19th, respectively, with the winner of the Championship Grand Final earning an additional 0.25 ranking points.
The highly anticipated announcement of the official club gradings will then be made on Wednesday, October 23rd, just days after the culmination of the domestic season. This news will be particularly crucial for those clubs precariously positioned at the bottom of Super League and the top of the Championship, as their grading will have a significant impact on their future prospects.
For example, the current bottom club in Super League, London Broncos, is expected to face relegation as they currently rank 24th in the indicative IMG rankings. On the other hand, Wakefield Trinity, who were relegated from Super League in 2023, are optimistic about an immediate return to the top tier, believing that the improvements they have made will earn them sufficient points to secure a place in the revamped 2025 season.
With the stakes higher than ever, rugby league enthusiasts eagerly await the unveiling of the long-awaited grading system, which promises to usher in a new era of excitement and competitiveness in the sport.
🔗 Source
