Bradford Bulls had already been confirmed after their grading points saw them leapfrog financially stricken Salford Red Devils.

Several teams from the Championship and Super League submitted bids to be part of the top tier under the new system, with the likes of London Broncos and Oldham missing out.

Earlier this year the existing Super League teams voted in favour of expanding the League, with Hull KR claiming a historic treble in the final season of the current format.

Lord Caine, the RFL Non-Executive Board Member who chaired the panel that considered the bids, said:

“After a thorough and robust process, we were pleased to be able to decide that Toulouse Olympique and York Knights will be worthy and deserving additions to the Betfred Super League next season.

“They were 13th and 14th on the Club Gradings, with a significant lead on any of the other applicants from the Betfred Championship. As was set out on August 19, it was always the Panel's intention to use those gradings as one of the criteria in our deliberations, along with enhanced financial scrutiny and an assessment of compe­titi­veness.

"The Panel's deliberations were conducted on the basis of fairness, impartiality, independence and confi­den­ti­ality.  The Panel was unanimous in its final decision to choose Toulouse Olympique and York Knights.

“We thank and congratulate all the clubs who engaged in the process for the quality of their applications – and we look forward to seeing elite Rugby League played in the historic cities of Toulouse and York in 2026.”

For York , who were only formed as a phoenix team this century, this will be their first season in the Super League, whilst Toulouse will be returning after their single ill-fated season in 2022.