The Super League will expand to 14 teams in 2026 following the promotion of Toulouse Olympique and York Knights, the Rugby Football League (RFL) has announced.
The two clubs were selected from nine applicants by a seven-member independent panel established in August, after Super League clubs voted to prioritise expansion of the competition. Their inclusion marks a significant step in Rugby League’s long-term strategic plan to grow the sport both geographically and commercially.
Panel’s Decision and Process
Lord Caine, the RFL Board Member who chaired the panel, confirmed the unanimous decision to admit the two clubs, citing both competitive and administrative strength.
“After a thorough and robust process, we were pleased to be able to decide that Toulouse Olympique and York Knights will be worthy and deserving additions to the Betfred Super League next season,” said Lord Caine.
“They were 13th and 14th on the Club Gradings, with a significant lead on any of the other applicants from the Betfred Championship. The panel’s deliberations were conducted on the basis of fairness, impartiality, independence and confidentiality.”
The panel’s review was based on several criteria, including club gradings developed through Rugby League’s partnership with IMG, financial sustainability, and an assessment of on-field competitiveness.
Three other applicants – Bradford Bulls, Huddersfield Giants, and Hull FC – had already secured their 2026 Super League places by finishing within the top 12 of the 2025 Club Grading table published earlier this week.
Historic Return for Toulouse Olympique
Founded in 1937 by former France rugby union international Jean Galia, Toulouse Olympique boast a storied history as pioneers of the Rugby League code in France. After being forced to revert to rugby union during the Vichy regime in World War II, the club returned to prominence with back-to-back Championship Final appearances in 1945 and 1946.
In modern times, Toulouse became the first French club to reach the Challenge Cup semi-finals in 2005 and have been regular participants in the British competition structure since 2016.
Toulouse previously spent a single season in Super League in 2022 after defeating Featherstone Rovers in the 2021 Championship Grand Final. Earlier this month, they claimed their second Championship title with a hard-fought Grand Final victory at York, a result that helped secure their 13th-place ranking in the RFL’s grading system.
Super League Returns to York After Four Decades
The York Knights’ promotion marks the return of top-flight Rugby League to the historic Minster City for the first time since the 1985-86 season. Founded as a phoenix club in 2002–03 to continue York’s proud professional Rugby League heritage dating back to 1901, the Knights have grown steadily on and off the field.
In 2025, York enjoyed one of their most successful seasons to date, winning the 1895 Cup at Wembley and finishing top of the Betfred Championship table before falling to Toulouse in the Grand Final. Their consistent performances and strong off-field progress lifted them to 14th in the club rankings, earning a historic promotion.
2026 Super League Line-Up Confirmed
With the inclusion of Toulouse Olympique and York Knights, the 2026 Betfred Super League will feature the following 14 clubs:
- Hull KR
- Leeds Rhinos
- St Helens
- Wigan Warriors
- Leigh Leopards
- Warrington Wolves
- Catalans Dragons
- Wakefield Trinity
- Hull FC
- Bradford Bulls
- Castleford Tigers
- Huddersfield Giants
- Toulouse Olympique
- York Knights
Salford have been relegated to the Championship competition after placing 15th in the IMG gradings published this week.
A New Era for the Super League
The RFL hailed the expansion as a pivotal moment for the competition’s future, broadening its geographic reach while recognising clubs that have demonstrated sustained development and ambition.
“We thank and congratulate all the clubs who engaged in the process for the quality of their applications,” said Lord Caine. “We look forward to seeing elite Rugby League played in the historic cities of Toulouse and York in 2026.”
With two historic clubs rejoining the elite ranks, the 2026 season promises to usher in a new era of growth and competitiveness for Rugby League across England and France.
