Super League returns and, 30 years on, it’s going back to the future
New arrivals York and Toulouse see a return to a 14-team format that includes former champions Bradford Bulls
Thirty years on from Super League’s debut night in Paris, British rugby league’s premier competition returns on Thursday evening with a bang – and if you look closely enough, there are more themes tying that inaugural season of summer rugby to the 2026 edition than separate it.
Just like in 1996, this year’s season begins with a new structure and new feel. After more than a decade running as a 12-team competition – and that became 11 in 2020 due to the demise of Toronto Wolfpack – we are back to 14 this year following the elevation of debutants York Knights and the returning Toulouse Olympique, with Bradford Bulls – more on them shortly – replacing Salford Red Devils after their financial problems finally caught up with them.