WORCESTER WARRIORS confirmed their formal application to join England Rugby's revamped Tier 2 league, last week (November 13). 

If successful, their application would see them enter into the league for the 2025/26 season. 

The revamp sees the current second tier become a 14-team league, with hopes for talent and infrastructure development, financial discipline, raised visibility through sponsorship and media, and a 'vibrant' promotion and relegation system. 

England Rugby's official vision for the new second tier involves a league which empowers it clubs to utilise their marketing resources to grow their fanbases, consistently deliver high quality experience and entertainment for fans, and deliver opportunities for the best upcoming talent. While creating compelling content as a league and ultimately forming the best second tier rugby union competition in the world. 

So what comes next for Worcester Warriors now that their official application has gone to England Rugby? 

Now that the deadline has passed for all hopeful sides to make their applications to the league, the selection panel has evaluated all of the submitted proposals to form their shortlist of applicants. 

The evaluation took place from Wednesday, November 13, through to today (November 18). 

Those applicants that have been shortlisted for interview/presentation is set to be revealed shortly, with the interviews commencing this week. 

The applicants' eligibility is judged on five criteria: 

Player Base

All hopeful clubs are expected to have a registered player base of 45 adult players, of whom at least 30 can play at the second level of the men's domestic game. 

Minimum Operating Standards

All clubs are expected to be able to comply with the minimum operating standards set out for the 2025/26 tier two season. These standards include evidence of financial stability and financial planning, safety and security of their home ground, already present commercial outlets such as perimeter boards, image rights and a big screen, sport and medical roles filled and existing community personnel. 

Financial Viability

All clubs must have the ability to demonstrate financial viability to compete in the league. 

League Central Objectives

Clubs must showcase the ability to align with league central objectives such as player base, competitiveness, commercial goals and geographical location. 

RFU Membership 

All clubs must show that they either have existing membership of the RFU, or can comply with the relevant provisions of the RFU regulations. 

 

Following the interviews from the shortlisted applicants, the selected teams will be notified of the results of the adjudication process, before being presented with participation agreements. 

An appeals window will follow before the final selection for the 2025/26 season is confirmed.