Rugby League Commercial, the Rugby Football League and IMG have today revealed the club grades for professional rugby league clubs ahead of the 2026 Rugby League season. St.Helens R.F.C. is pleased to confirm that the Club has received the highest rated grade of 'A'.
Clubs graded ‘A’ will be guaranteed participation in the Super League (as long as the grade is maintained). The top twelve-ranked clubs will have automatic inclusion as part of the 2026 Betfred Super League competition.
Following a decision by the existing Super League clubs to prioritise expansion of the competition, a Panel has been considering the possibility of admitting two additional clubs for 2026, with their decision to be announced on Friday, 17th October 2026.
With a score of 16.74 points, St.Helens R.F.C. has been ranked 3rd in the second year of official club grading.
The maximum available score for clubs is out of 20 based on a detailed analysis of every club’s performance under five pillars, which are; Fandom, Performance, Finances, Stadium, and Community.
Wigan Warriors are fourth in the rankings, with Leigh Leopards climbing two places to fifth. Warrington Wolves, Catalans Dragons and Wakefield Trinity all retain their A grading in sixth, seventh and eighth respectively, and Hull FC regain Grade A status and climb from 10th to ninth after lifting their overall grading score.
Bradford Bulls are the highest-ranked of 15 clubs who earn a B Grade, climbing from 16th in the 2024 table to 10th. They are followed by Castleford Tigers and Huddersfield Giants – with those three B-graded clubs joining the nine Grade As in the 12 who secure automatic places in the 2026 Super League.
Following a decision by the existing Super League clubs to prioritise expansion of the competition, a Panel has been considering the possibility of admitting two additional clubs for 2026 – with their decision to be announced on Friday morning.
Those clubs who do not secure Super League places will play in an expanded Betfred Championship in 2026, following a recent decision to merge the Championship with Betfred League One.
Salford Red Devils have slipped from 12th to 15th with a score of 12.65, with their Finance score reflecting information submitted for the 2022-24 seasons – and not including the 2025 season. They have had 0.25 points deducted from their score as a result of the deduction of two competition points for breaching operational rules in their team selection for the Round One fixture at St Helens in February.
Salford are one of three clubs, with Featherstone Rovers and Halifax Panthers of the Betfred Championship, who are the subject of HMRC petitions, which could affect their Finance score for 2026 should the petitions be confirmed.
Full details of the grading criteria with RL Commercial and IMG can read in full by clicking here.
