Ealing Trailfinders withdraw appeal against decision to deny Premiership promotion

Ealing Trailfinders has withdrawn their appeal against the decision of the Rugby Football Union to deny them promotion to the Premiership.

In March, an audit conducted by the RFU stated that Championship sides Doncaster Knights and Ealing Trailfinders have been deemed ineligible for promotion to Premiership ahead of the 2022/23 season after they failed to meet minimum standards as both the clubs did not have the minimum capacity requirement in their respective home grounds which is at least 10,001.

Currently both the clubs can hold a holding capacity of 5,000 spectators each.

Even though Ealing finished the 2021/22 season of the Championship at the top with 16 wins from 20 games, they decided to withdraw the appeal.

"Ealing Trailfinders has withdrawn its appeal of the decision of the RFU Board that following an independent audit, the club’s facilities do not currently meet the Professional Game Board Minimum Standards Criteria required for promotion to the Gallagher Premiership," read a statement from the club.

"The RFU has reiterated it will continue to collaborate with Championship clubs on the development of a sustainable Championship as well as a commitment of the Professional Game Board to review standards relating to minimum capacity ahead of the audit process next season".