A tender process is open to the whole game, to join the revamped men’s Tier 2 competition (current Championship), launching in the 2025-26 season.

Interested clubs, universities, colleges and others are invited submit an expression of interest by 5:00 pm Sunday 13 October 2024.

Once expressions of interest are received, interested parties will receive a formal submission request.

For more information, visit the Tier 2 Minimum Operating Standards for 2025/26 page or read the Expression of Interest letter.

Over the past 18 months, the RFU, Championship Club Committee and Premiership Rugby have been working to develop a reimagined Tier 2. The aim is to create a second tier that supports the English system by developing young English talent, whilst supporting the clubs to become financially sustainable, by growing local audiences and increasing the value in the league.  

In April 2024, RFU Council approved the principles of a new governance structure, the Minimum Operating Standards and the principle of Tier 2 comprising 14 clubs from 2025-26. This tender process is to identify those clubs and institutions that are interested in being part of a reimagined league.