In November 2025, the RFL launched its National Community Rugby League initiative which proposed replacing the
National Conference League (NCL) with two national leagues and a number of regional leagues. While most clubs were not in favour of the initiative, the clubs decided to agree to the proposal "for the good of the sport". Several clubs hit out at being placed in conferences as some wanted to remain playing in national leagues while Barrow based clubs were unhappy at being placed in the National Conference Cumbria, as they had been playing in the
North West Men's League for years. Clubs from the old NCL Divisions Two and Three were put into the conferences as well as six clubs from the
Yorkshire Premier Division; Fryston Warriors, King Cross Park, Mirfield Spartans, Newsome Panthers, Stanley Rangers, Siddal Academy as well as three clubs from
Yorkshire Division 1;
Bradford Dudley Hill, Kippax Welfare and Moldgreen. From the
North West Premier Division, five clubs were promoted to the National Conference North-West; Ashton Bears, Blackbrook, Haresfinch, Orrell St James, and Shevington Sharks. While Dalton were placed into the National Conference Cumbria along with Hindpool Tigers and Ulverston joined from
North West Division 1. The
Conference League South folded for clubs to join the National Conference Southern. ==System==