Scottish Club Rugby Set for Structural Overhaul in 2024/25 Season

In a significant move, the Club Rugby Board (CRB) has approved a 12-team Premiership for the upcoming 2024/25 season, signaling a shift in the Scottish rugby landscape. This decision, made during a recent meeting to determine the season’s structure, sets the stage for an intriguing competition ahead.

As part of the transition, Watsonians FC and Melrose Rugby will join the Premiership ranks, while Boroughmuir FC and Stirling County RFC will move to the National League Division 1. Additionally, Ayr RFC and Heriot’s Rugby will participate in the Premiership, as initially planned for the following season.

Looking forward to the 2025/26 season, both the Premiership and National Leagues will revert to 10-team competitions. This decision came after careful consideration of seven potential options aimed at integrating the Super Series teams and their players seamlessly.

Throughout the consultation process, different clubs expressed varying opinions on their preferred options. The CRB, guided by principles agreed upon by the Scottish Rugby Limited and Scottish Rugby Union Boards, worked through each option to reach a decision. These principles focused on fairness, minimal disruption to existing structures, and mitigating inconvenience for clubs.

Option 2 emerged as the preferred choice, balancing these criteria effectively. Keith Wallace, Scottish Rugby Vice President and CRB Chair, expressed appreciation for the constructive discussions among board members and participating clubs.

Wallace commented, “This decision was not without its challenges. However, through a consultative and thorough process, we have reached a positive outcome, providing clarity for the upcoming season.”

Further discussions will take place with clubs in National Leagues 2 & 3 to address the implications of creating nine-team leagues for the 2024/25 season only. While a proposal to retain 10 teams in National 2 & 3 was considered, concerns about disrupting National 4 and regional leagues led to its rejection.

In addition to changes affecting 1st XV teams, discussions will explore the impact on Reserve Leagues and clubs’ preferences for their reserve teams in the coming season. Notably, there was unanimous agreement across all leagues to halt player payments in the Premiership, prompting the CRB to initiate a review process.

Gav Scott, Scottish Rugby’s Director of Rugby Development, acknowledged the complexity of the consultation process and highlighted the importance of club engagement.

Scott remarked, “Navigating the intricacies of this transition season was challenging. However, the input from clubs has been crucial in shaping our path forward.”

With the adoption of Option 2, Scottish Rugby’s competitions department will begin work on shaping the league structures for the 2024/25 season. Stay tuned for further updates and communications as Scottish club rugby undergoes these structural changes.