The Rugby Football Union (RFU) has proposed a fully professional 12-team Championship to replace National League Division One as the second tier from next season.
Under the plans, the top Division One sides this season would become Championship founder members - if they agree to turn professional and the relegated Guinness Premiership club would be invited to join them. The Championship teams would play 22 league games per season, with the top eight clubs playing off for one promotion place. The plan also retains promotion and relegation to and from the Championship from the division below.
After a year of negotiations with First Division Rugby - the body for second-tier clubs - the RFU Council is set to discuss the issue at Friday's meeting, when a final decision on the proposal could be made. The Championship will be funded by the RFU for 24 months, and will cost around £2.3 million, plus £1 million from Premier Rugby - the body for Guinness Premiership clubs - for eight years, sponsorship and a rights share from the RFU's new five-year TV rights deal with Sky.
After two years, the RFU's funding will be replaced by cash given to clubs for fielding England-qualified players and who improve their facilities. The plan aims to give the clubs greater financial security than ever before and create a vibrant and viable structure to take the game forward.
RFU chief, Martyn Thomas, told reporters: “For too long First Division Rugby has hovered between the community game and the Premiership, uncertain of both its standing in the structure and its future. Now is the time to establish its rightful place. The RFU is fully committed to funding and supporting a professional and robust league with minimum entry criteria and a salary cap that will support the Guinness Premiership”.
All clubs hoping to take part in the division will be subject to a salary cap and will have to meet minimum ground requirements.
