RFL recommendation for 15th Super League club

Further to Super League (Europe) Ltd deciding an additional team will enter the 2027 competition, the RFL Board has confirmed the process to determine the entry of a 15th club.  

As part of this, they have considered the 2026 Club Gradings' rankings and the other eligibility requirements for promotion to Super League, contained within the RFL’s Operational Rules.  

Barrow Raiders are the 15th team on the 2026 Club Gradings and, so, have been the first to be consulted by the RFL Board.

The Cumbrian club remain Super League ambitious but both they and the RFL recognise at this stage it would be impossible to be ready for 2027.  

The next considered team is Championship Grand Final winners London Broncos - the 16th-placed side in the 2026 Club Gradings - who would become the primary candidate to be in Super League in 2027.  

Before the RFL makes any final recommendation to SLE, thorough financial due diligence of the Broncos' business will be conducted by an independent firm to help ensure financial and commercial stability.  

A further announcement will be made shortly.