Rugby League News | Bradford Bulls back in Super League

Huge moment for one of Rugby League’s most historic clubs

Bradford Bulls have secured promotion to the Super League for the 2026 season, replacing Salford Red Devils after being awarded the highest Grade B status under rugby league’s new grading system.

Author | Greg S

The decision marks a remarkable return to the top flight for the Bulls, who were a dominant force in the early 2000s but have spent over a decade outside the elite. Their absence was defined by financial collapse, administration, and even a season in the third tier, League One, in 2018.

Brian Noble, who famously led Bradford to multiple Super League titles, returned to the club in 2025 and guided them to a third-place finish in the Championship. Despite being eliminated in the play-off semi-finals by eventual champions Toulouse, the Bulls’ off-field progress has been enough to propel them back to the top tier.

Bradford’s grading score improved significantly from 16th in 2024 to 10th this year, overtaking Super League clubs Castleford Tigers and Huddersfield Giants, who ranked 11th and 12th.

READ MORE | Visit Super Local Sports News for more Bradford Bull reaction to this news

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The grading system, introduced by media giant IMG under Rugby League Commercial’s ‘Reimagining Rugby League’ strategy, evaluates clubs on their sporting performance, finances, facilities, fan engagement, and community impact.

Salford, by contrast, have endured a turbulent year. Despite a recent takeover, ongoing financial struggles, delayed wage payments and the departure of several key players saw them finish bottom of Super League. Their lower B grade, placing them 15th overall, has resulted in relegation. Find out about their current situation by visiting GM Super News. What does the future have in store for the Red Devils?

This news is bound to cause a lot of average and analysis across the Rugby League heartlands. 

Club statement

Jason Hirst, Bradford Bulls CEO, said in a statement: “In my three and a half years as CEO and proud custodian of our great club, we have continually improved, year on year, which has always been our continuous aim and focus. Coincidentally, much of that time has coincided with IMG and the raising of standards.

“On the field, with three consecutive top three finishes and three consecutive play-off semi-final appearances, we, unquestionably, deserve to be one of the three clubs potentially being promoted to Super League from the Championship.”

Next steps

An announcement on Friday will confirm which two other Championship sides will join an expanded 14-team Super League in 2026, with Bradford now officially confirmed as one of three promoted clubs.