The Championship will be contested over 24 rounds in the regular season. Ten of the fixtures will be based on 2025 league positions and two opponents will be based on geographical location.
For example, all three Cumbria clubs in the league – Barrow Raiders, Workington Town and Whitehaven will all play each other home and away, while, just like in Super League, a rivals round is set for Good Friday (3 April).
A play-off series involving the top 10 sides will then be staged in September, ahead of the Championship Grand Final on Sunday, 4 October.
“The exciting new structure ensures every single game will have meaning and, it is pleasing to see the return of many old rivalries, plus some intriguing stardust from new club ownership groups,” said, external the RFL’s interim CEO Abi Ekoku.