changes: The size of leagues at levels 3 and 4 are capped at 14 teams (down from 16). The size of leagues at level 5 and below are capped at 12 teams (down from 14). Level 4 will consist of three leagues (up from 2). Level 5 will consist of six leagues (up from 4). Level 6 will consist of twelve leagues (up from 8). A shortened season and protected breaks over Christmas and at specified other times for player welfare. Leagues largely regional based to reduce travel. An optional cup competition introduced for level 5 and below. Below level 6 leagues sizes will depend on number of teams and geographical location. Professional game In February 2021, the RFU approved a moratorium on relegation from both the Premiership and Championship in response to uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. It was also confirmed that league structure and minimum standards criteria for promotion were being reviewed. The moratorium only covered relegation and did not include promotion from the Championship meaning the Premiership expanded to 13 teams with the Championship reduced to 11 in 2021–22 with the promotion of Saracens. In June 2021, as part of the wider review the moratorium was extended by a further two years in the Premiership and also included relegation from the Championship in 2021–22 and promotion from the Championship following the 2022–23 season. This means the Premiership may be further expanded to 14 teams in 2022–23 and the Championship may be reduced to 10. A summary of changes is outlines below: Premiership expanded to 13 teams in 2021–22; Championship reduced to 11 Premiership may expand to 14 teams in 2022–23; Championship may reduce to 10. No team relegated from Premiership or promoted from Championship Introduction of a play-off between the bottom placed team in Premiership and top placed team in Championship in 2023–24 with the winner playing in the Premiership the following season. Promotion remains subject to minimum standards which have been reviewed and include several factors. Level 1: Premiership Rugby Premiership Rugby is the top level league in England, containing the best 11 professional clubs. The premiership still includes strict ground criteria and a salary cap that must be met by all participants. Promotion from the Championship remains (subject to eligibility), however the bottom side have not been relegated since the end of the 2019–20 season. The club seeking promotion must meet the minimum standards