NCRL National Premier League

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NCRL National Premier League

Overview
- The NCRL National Premier League (NPL) is the highest level of amateur rugby league in Britain.
- It is the top tier of the National Community Rugby League (NCRL) system.
- Founded in 2026 and based in England.
- Features 12 teams and sits at level 3 in the rugby league pyramid.
- Relegation: teams can drop to National League One.
- Domestic cup: Challenge Cup.
- Official website: rugby-league.com/competitions/national/national-leagues

History
- In November 2025, the Rugby Football League (RFL) announced a plan to replace the National Conference League (NCL) with two national leagues plus regional leagues.
- Clubs agreed to the change for the sport’s good, and the NCL was dissolved on 19 January (2026).
- The National Premier League effectively replaced the NCL Premier Division.
- The first season was marketed as both the National Premier League and NCL40 to mark 40 years since the NCL started.

Clubs (12)
- Heworth (Heworth A.R.L.F.C.), founded 1922; York, North Yorkshire
- Hunslet ARLFC, founded 2022; Hunslet, Leeds, West Yorkshire
- Castleford Lock Lane, founded 2001; Castleford, West Yorkshire
- Rochdale Mayfield, founded 1958; Castleton, Greater Manchester
- Siddal, founded 1908; Halifax, West Yorkshire
- Thatto Heath Crusaders, founded 1981; Thatto Heath, St Helens, Merseyside
- Waterhead Warriors, founded 1920; Oldham, Greater Manchester
- Wath Brow Hornets, founded 1898; Cleator Moor, Cumbria
- West Bowling A.R.L.F.C., founded 1950; Bradford, West Yorkshire
- West Hull A.R.L.F.C., founded 1961; Kingston upon Hull, East Yorkshire
- Wigan St Judes, founded 1980; Wigan, Greater Manchester
- York Acorn A.R.L.F.C., founded 1973; York, North Yorkshire