Country | France |
---|---|
Founded | 2008 |
Number of teams | 10 |
Level on pyramid | 2 |
Promotion to | Elite One Championship |
Relegation to | National Division 1 |
Domestic cup(s) | Lord Derby Cup |
Current champions | La Reole XIII |
Website | site |
The Elite Two Championship is the second tier semi-professional rugby league competition in France below the Elite One Championship, but above the National Division 1. The season runs from September to April. The clubs play each other home and away before entering into a series of play-off matches resulting in a Grand Final. The winners can gain promotion to the Elite One Championship providing they meet a minimum criteria. Occasionally the runners-up could be offered promotion.
The league was previously called the National League 1 from 1958-2002. The Elite Two Championship was formed in 2002 when the French Rugby League Championship was split into two Elite One and Elite Two. There was no competition in 1987 and in 1988 the league was won on league placings and not by a series of play-offs.