This competition was run in 1997 and 1998 with a regionalized qualifying groups and the semi-finals and final on a knock-out basis. in 1997. This was closer to the Gold Cup last run in the early 1990s than the Knockout Cup run by the previous British Premier League in 1995 and 1996.
For 1999, the Premier League Cup has reverted to a straight knock-out format. The pre-season regionalized style competition run in 1999 is called the Premier National Trophy.
All ties are decided on an aggregate score from a two-leg home and away matches. In the event of a tie on aggregate the fixture will be replayed over two legs.
The team and race format is the same as for the Premier League Championship except that the controversial 'golden double' tactical substitution rule does not apply.
Edinburgh v Newcastle
Exeter v Workington
Glasgow v Reading
Isle of Wight v Sheffield
Newport v Stoke
The following received byes to the Second Round:
Arena Essex
Berwick
Swindon
In the inaugural season of this Premier League Cup, Edinburgh won the cup after beating Oxford by 94 points to 86 on aggregate. In 1998, the Cup was won by Reading who defeated favourites Peterborough over two legs by 103 to 77.