Rugby League’s Biggest Changes in a Generation: Unveiling the 2024 Grading System
In a groundbreaking move, Rugby League announced the most significant changes in decades through its partnership with IMG. Starting in 2024, each club will be graded based on five key criteria, with the top 12 highest-ranked clubs forming the prestigious Super League.
The RFL has now revealed the timeline for confirming these all-important club gradings. Between September 2nd and 30th, clubs will undergo a data capture phase, followed by an external assurance process. The final performance points will be awarded after the Men’s Super League and Championship Grand Finals on October 12th and 19th, respectively. The highly anticipated grading announcement will then be made public on October 23rd.
For the seven clubs granted the coveted Grade A status – Leeds Rhinos, Wigan Warriors, St Helens, Catalans Dragons, Warrington Wolves, Hull KR, and Hull FC – the announcement should hold no surprises. However, for clubs at the bottom of Super League and the top of the Championship, the grading will have a profound impact on their futures.
London Broncos, currently ranked 24th in the indicative IMG rankings, are expected to be relegated from Super League as a result of the grading system. Conversely, Wakefield Trinity, the top Championship club, are hopeful of an immediate return to the top flight, banking on the improvements they have made since their 2023 relegation.
As rugby league enthusiasts eagerly await the October 23rd reveal, the clubs face a nerve-wracking wait to learn their fate, with the 2025 season’s promotion and relegation now intricately linked to the new IMG grading system.
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