The RFL

Following the licensing announcement on 22 July 2008, the RFL can now clarify how this will affect promotion and relegation between The Co-operative Championship and Championship One at the end of the 2009 season and from then onwards.

Following Celtic Crusaders and Salford City Reds’ inclusion in engage Super League from 2009, just one team, (Dewsbury Rams) was relegated from The Co-operative National League One in 2008. 

Three teams were promoted from The Co-operative National League Two in 2008 – Gateshead and Barrow. These top two progressed automatically - The third team, (Doncaster) progressed via the playoffs. This created two divisions of 10 teams. Toulouse Olympique XIII have been admitted from the 2009 season onwards and will therefore increase the teams in The Co-operative Championship from 10 to 11. 

Following the licensing announcement as mentioned above, and recent re-brand from: The Co-operative National League One and National League Two, to: The Co-operative Championship and Championship One, means there will be no promotions from The Co-operative Championship to engage Super League. This will remain in place until the licensing is re-visited in 2011.

From 2009, two teams will be relegated from The Co-operative Championship to The Co-operative Championship One.* Teams in league positions 2 to 7 in The Co-operative Championship One will qualify for the playoffs, with the winner of the playoff final being promoted, along with the team positioned first after the regular season, to: The Co-operative Championship. 

In 2009 the total prize pool for both leagues would be in excess of £200,000 with the winner of The Co-operative Championship receiving £100,000. 

*Please note: Toulouse Olympique XIII are exempt from relegation and will remain in The Co-operative Championship should they finish in the bottom 2.