(Image: Matthew Merrick/SWpix.com)
Bradford Bulls have dropped from 10th to 11th in the IMG rankings and their score has fallen too, but they have comfortably secured a Super League place for next year.
Due to the changes to the criteria in the five pillars, Bradford knew their score would be lower than last year’s 14.81.
They are now down at 13.93, which is still above Huddersfield Giants (13.50), Toulouse Olympique (13.44) and York Knights (13.24).
But all 14 existing Super League clubs remain in the top 14 of the IMG rankings, just as they did 12 months ago, with the RFL confirming all of them will remain in the top flight next year.
The most interesting debate is London, who are widely expected to be admitted as Super League’s 15th team in the coming days.
Yet interestingly, their paltry grading score of 9.77 only puts them 16th, below their current Championship rivals Barrow, who will definitely not be in the top flight next year.
Wakefield Trinity’s historic on-field success in the 2026 season has shot them to the top of the club grading rankings, their Super League Grand Final success last Saturday putting them on 17.85 points out of the maximum 20.
Trinity are one of eight clubs to secure a Grade A (15 points plus) score.
Grading involves five pillars, fandom, finance, stadium, community and on-field performance.
Wakefield become the fourth different club in as many years to take top spot since the process began.
Leeds Rhinos, Warrington Wolves, Wigan Warriors, Hull KR, Leigh Leopards, St Helens and Castleford Tigers are the other Grade A clubs.
Cas have moved up three places in the rankings from 11th to eighth, overtaking Catalans Dragons, Hull FC and Bulls.
Castleford had a poor season on the field, but some big improvements on it have seen them edge ahead of Bulls, Catalans and Hull in the rankings. (Image: Ed Sykes/SWpix.com)
From 2026, the completion of the grading process was not mandatory.
The RFL insist the final ranking therefore reflects the clubs who chose to take part in grading, rather than a ranking of every club across Super League and the Championship.
A dozen Championship clubs took part in the process, some for their own benchmarking purposes only, with five Grade B clubs emerging, including Barrow and London.
Keighley Cougars were among the eight clubs who opted not to take part in the process.
Ian Nolan, RFL chief executive, said: “Wakefield Trinity’s rise to the top of the 2026 Club Grading rankings is a fascinating story for rugby league.
“It is a strong example of how sustained progress on and off the field can be recognised through the grading framework.
"Their achievement sits alongside encouraging movement across the sport, from growing attendances and digital audiences to continued improvements in facilities and community delivery.
“The RFL will keep working with clubs to support responsible growth, long-term resilience, and the strongest possible future for the professional game.”