London Broncos miss out as Super League retains all 14 clubs for 2027

London Broncos have missed out on a place through the annual club-grading process for the 2027 Super League season, with all 14 existing teams retaining their positions. BBC Sport reported the outcome on Thursday, while the Rugby Football League confirmed that the current clubs had automatically secured their places.

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The decision comes despite a successful season on the field for London. The Broncos won the Championship Grand Final and the 1895 Cup, as well as finishing comfortably clear in the second tier, according to the BBC. They nevertheless ranked 16th in the assessment, behind fellow Championship club Barrow Raiders, who were the highest-placed team from outside Super League.

Wakefield Trinity led the rankings with 17.85 points out of 20 after their Super League Grand Final victory. The RFL said their score had risen by 2.38 points, the largest annual improvement among participating clubs, with the title contributing a 0.75-point bonus. Their overall total matched the record achieved by Hull KR in 2025.

Eight clubs received Grade A status. Castleford Tigers returned to that category with 15.03 points, while Catalans Dragons and Hull FC moved down to Grade B. Bradford Bulls, Huddersfield Giants, Toulouse Olympique and York Knights completed the qualifying 14, also with Grade B ratings. York occupied the final qualifying position on 13.24 points, immediately behind Toulouse on 13.44.

For York, confirmation means another season in the top division after their first Super League campaign in 2026. The York Press, in reporting carried by Yahoo Sports, said Mark Applegarth's team finished 10th with 18 points from 27 matches. Their place for next year was then secured by the grading announcement.

The assessment covers five areas: supporters, finances, stadiums, community activity and playing performance. The RFL said participation became optional in 2026, so the table covers clubs that entered the process rather than every professional side. Twelve Championship clubs took part, including some using the exercise only to measure their development.