Gallagher Premiership: The Premier Rugby League in England
The Gallagher Premiership is one of the most prestigious rugby union leagues in the world, contested by top-tier teams from England. As the premier league for club rugby in England, it has a rich history dating back to 1987.
History and Evolution of the Gallagher Premiership
- The first season of the Gallagher Premiership began in 1987 under the name "Prestige Rugby Football Union" and featured six teams from the north and south of England.
- In its early years, the league underwent several rebranding efforts, becoming known as the Zurich Premiership (1998-2003), the Guinness Premiership (2004-2010), and finally the Aviva Premiership (2011-2016) before adopting its current name Gallagher Premiership in 2017.
Throughout its history, the league has undergone significant changes to its structure, format, and sponsorship. The introduction of promotion and relegation with the English Rugby Championship has added an extra layer of competition, making it more challenging for teams to maintain their status in the top division.
Trophy and Competition Structure
| Season | Teams Participating | Points System | Promotion/Relegation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019-2020 | 13 teams | Bonus points, table standings | Top 2 teams in Premiership Rugby Shield advance to Gallagher Premiership Relegation Playoffs |
The current season's competition format features a round-robin schedule with each team playing the other once. The top six teams qualify for the playoffs, while the remaining teams compete in the European Challenge Cup and EPCR Champions Cup.
Notable Teams and Players
- Harlequins: a London-based team with a rich history of success, including four Premiership