Championship Rugby League Fixtures for the 2024-25 Season Announced

Fixtures for the 2024–25 Championship Rugby League season have been confirmed for what is anticipated to be another highly competitive season.  

The league competition will be played over 22 rounds, beginning over the weekend of 20-22 September, with the final round scheduled for the weekend of 30 May–1 June next year.  A two-leg play-off for promotion to the Gallagher Premiership will then take place on the weekends of 6-8 June and 13–15 June between the top-placed team in the Championship (provided it meets the minimum standards criteria) and the last-placed team in the Gallagher Premiership.

The league will consist of 12 teams in the upcoming season after Chinnor RFC secured promotion to the Championship having topped National 1.

2023-24 season league winners Ealing Trailfinders kick off their first match at home to Hartpury University and newcomers Chinnor take on Cambridge away in their first-round game.  Cornish Pirates who finished second in the league last season, play Nottingham at The Bay, while elsewhere in the competition Doncaster Knights face Ampthill at home, London Scottish play Coventry at The RAG and Caldy travel to Goldington Road to face Bedford Blues.

The Cup competition will begin in November with the first games taking place over the weekend of 1-3 November, with further rounds in February, before the quarter-finals (28 February–2 March), semi-finals (7-9 March) and the final over the weekend of 14-16 March.  The fixture details for the Cup will be announced soon.  

RFU Director of Performance Rugby, Conor O’Shea added: “We’re pleased to be able confirm the fixtures for what promises to be season full of excitement, drama and close encounters.  

“The past few seasons have seen close finishes at the top of the table and 2023-24 was no different with only a handful of points between the top two teams. We will no doubt see further demonstration of the competitiveness of the league in the upcoming season.  

“We’re really pleased to welcome Chinnor to the Championship, who will be a great addition to the league following some brilliant performances in National 1. We wish them and the other clubs success for the year ahead.  

“Throughout this season we will continue work that’s taken place over the past 18 months with the clubs to develop and enhance rugby’s second tier.  It’s an exciting time for the league and we look forward keeping its fans updated as these plans develop.”  

Championship Committee Chairman, Simon Halliday, said: “The value of the Championship was clear for all to see last season. The quality of rugby played was exceptional, crowds were up, and they were hugely entertained by fast, open and positive play which was particularly evident in the Premiership Cup. The role of our league as a conveyor belt of talent for English rugby will continue to feature strongly as we build and invest in our competition through the development of a new league in 25/26.

“The idea of promotion and relegation is now a long-term reality after recent Council decisions and for the first time in some years there is the genuine chance for our clubs to challenge for the top table in English rugby. This brings equivalent excitement and jeopardy to the Premiership which we all desire and which is the lifeblood of any competition.

“I wish all 12 clubs the very best of luck for the coming season and I would particularly like to welcome Chinnor, who triumphed in a very competitive National One. I am certain they will bring fresh energy and talent to the Championship.

“In this transformational season, we all look forward to fierce clashes, close matches and excitement in every game, the length and breadth of England.”

To see the full Championship Rugby fixture list click here.

For more information visit www.championshiprugby.co.uk or @champrugby on X and Insta.