THE Rugby Football League have, following a management group meeting, outlined their proposed National League structure for 2027.
As envisaged, the Premier Division will continue to comprise twelve teams.
Those will be (in order of standings at the end of the 2026 season): West Hull, Hunslet ARLFC, Waterhead Warriors, Siddal, Thatto Heath Crusaders, Wath Brow Hornets, West Bowling, Wigan St Judes, Lock Lane and York Acorn, together with Division One champions Dewsbury Celtic and Promotion Play-Offs winners East Leeds.
The twelve teams in Division One will be Heworth and Rochdale Mayfield, who were both relegated from the top flight, alongside Kells, Dewsbury Moor Maroons, Oulton Raiders, Egremont Rangers, Stanningley, Leigh Miners Rangers, Shaw Cross Sharks, Pilkington Recs and Oldham St Annes, all of whom were in the section last season, and Featherstone Lions, who have been promoted from National Conference Yorkshire B.
Pilkington Recs and Oldham St Annes, who were the bottom two teams in 2026, have been granted reprieves from relegation.
Their continuing status arises through requests by Blackbrook and Ince Rose Bridge, who earned promotion to Division One under the terms of the RFL’s National Community Rugby League structure, to remain in regionalised competition, while Wigan St Patricks have been demoted after failing to travel to Dewsbury Moor in April.
Tim White, the RFL community game competition manager, stated in a memo to clubs last Thursday: “The management group have spent considerable time reviewing the first season of the National League, taking into account feedback received directly from clubs, the challenges experienced throughout the season and the overall development of the competition.
“We have been keen to listen to clubs and take their views into account when considering the structure for next season, while also recognising the importance of establishing a sustainable competition with a clear pathway for progression.
“The National League was introduced in 2026, with clubs allocated to divisions as part of the implementation of the new competition structure.
“Following the first season, the management group has reviewed the arrangements for 2027, taking into account the established promotion and relegation criteria, feedback received directly from clubs and the practical challenges identified during the season.
“We recognise that progression brings additional challenges for some clubs, particularly around travel, costs and the commitments involved.
“The management group therefore considered the individual circumstances raised by clubs and, where appropriate, made adjustments while maintaining the overall balance of the competition.
“These adjustments have been considered in the context of the first season of the new structure and should not be interpreted as clubs having the option to choose which division they compete in.
“Promotion and relegation remain fundamental to the National League, and we need to establish a clear and consistent approach that allows clubs to understand and plan for progression.
“We also recognise that further work is needed to address the practical challenges associated with moving through the competition structure, and this will form part of our ongoing discussions with clubs.”
White revealed: “Following consideration of the circumstances raised by Ince Rose Bridge and Blackbrook, the management group agreed that both clubs would remain in National Conference North West for 2027.
“Wigan St Patricks will move into National Conference North West following consideration of their failure to fulfil a fixture during the 2026 season. This move has been discussed with the club and has their support.
“As part of the resulting adjustments to the structure, Pilkington Recs and Oldham St Annes retain their places in Division One.”
On the regional conferences, White stated: “National Conference North West will comprise ten teams for 2027.
“West Bank Bears are promoted from the North West Men’s League while Woolston Rovers are relegated to the regional competition. Ince Rose Bridge and Blackbrook retain their places, with Wigan St Patricks joining from Division One.
“National Conference Cumbria will remain at ten teams for 2027. Wath Brow Hornets A are promoted from the Cumbria Men’s League while Ulverston are relegated.
“Following consideration of the circumstances raised by Askam regarding promotion, the management group agreed Hindpool Tigers would retain their place in the division.
“Both National Conference Yorkshire A and Yorkshire B will remain at ten teams for 2027.
“The management group supported rebalancing the two divisions primarily based on 2026 playing performance, while also taking geographical considerations into account.
‘Both divisions will continue to operate at the same level, with neither division considered higher than the other.
“Featherstone Lions are promoted to Division One, while Stanley Rangers and Normanton Knights are relegated to the Yorkshire Men’s League.
“Doncaster Toll Bar, Ossett Trinity Tigers and Dodworth Miners are promoted from the Yorkshire Men’s League.
“National Conference South will comprise six teams for 2027. North Herts Crusaders and Brentwood Eels will move into the London & East League, with no additional clubs joining the division.”
White confirmed that Alan Smith, the RFL community game senior administrator, will meet clubs on Thursday, November 12 to “go through the proposed structure in more detail, explain the considerations behind the changes and provide an opportunity for questions and discussion”.
He added: “In the meantime, if any club would like to discuss any aspect of the proposed structure ahead of the meeting, please get in touch.”
