Wigan Warriors learn IMG grading with only one club ranked higher

Following the 2023 Super League Grand Final win over Catalans, Wigan Warriors have received the second-highest grading with 16.87 out of the maximum available 20. Only Leeds Rhinos are above with a score of 17.49, with St Helens third at 16.78.

The grades have been announced following detailed analysis of every club’s performance under five pillars – on-field performance, fandom, finances, stadium and community.

Catalans Dragons, Warrington Wolves and both Hull clubs have also received A grades – all above the threshold of 15 points required to be graded A.

Membership of the Betfred Super League in 2025 will be determined by the top 12 teams in the 2024 rankings, which will be announced at the culmination of the 2024 season. The initial grading is to give clubs time to prepare and improve where necessary to increase their score.

Grading was one of seven recommendations which were presented to the sport in the autumn of 2022 following global management company IMG’s 12-year stategic partnership, and which were supported by a substantial majority of clubs at all levels.

Toulouse Olympique are the highest-performing club outside Super League, with their score of 12.97 leaving them 10th in the indicative rankings as the third strongest of the 17 B-graded clubs.

Leigh Leopards sit in 12th position with a score of 12.45 with Wakefield, Toulouse, Huddersfield and Salford all above.

North Wales Crusaders sit at the bottom in 35th position with a score of 5.07 and a Grade C, with Super League newcomers London Broncos 24th with a Grade B.

Castleford Tigers have received a score that sits them 13th and currently outside of Super League as it stands, although have recently submitted new information that the RFL will review and consider particularly given the tight scoring margins around the 12th position in the rankings.

Tony Sutton, the Chief Executive of the Rugby Football League, said: “Rugby league embarked on a bold journey with the launch of the strategic partnership with IMG in May 2022, and 18 months into that journey, the publication of these indicative club gradings is a highly significant step.

“The sport has had to examine itself more closely than ever, at all levels – whether in terms of our central governance, or for our clubs in assessing all areas of their off-field performance.

“The results are heartening, as seven of our clubs already reach the A Grade by reaching the score IMG set as the benchmark, and which we believe should be the level clubs need to achieve in order to confirm their place in our elite competition – and another 17 have earned a B Grade and now know exactly what they need to do to reach the higher level.

“Congratulations are due to the A Grade clubs, although I know they will not be resting on their laurels as the key to the grading process is that it is dynamic and requires clubs to maintain standards.

“All clubs also deserve recognition for the positive way in which they have engaged in this process, all with the aim of raising the standards of rugby league – and of reimagining the sport.”