RFU scraps Premiership relegation for 2020/21 season

The Rugby Football Union has confirmed that there will be no relegation at the end of the ongoing season of the Gallagher Premiership.

The decision follows after the RFU Council members voted on the decision taking into account the disruption created by the pandemic coroanvirus.

The number of fixtures cancelled in this season of the Premiership has now become six after the latest round game between Newcastle and Northampton Saints called-off after the Falcons returned positive tests in the latest round of PCR testing and have closed their training ground.

A statement released by the RFU also added that the winner of the Championship will gain a promotion to the top tier ahead of the 2021/22 season making it a 13 team-competition. With no relegation in the second tier, the Championship will feature 11 teams next season.

"Council members considered the impact Covid-19 has had on all areas of the game, including the earlier decision to suspend promotion and relegation in the community game and the Gallagher Premiership cancelling a significant number of matches in the 2020/21 season," read the statement.

"These cancellations have resulted in a material impact on league positions which could mean relegation based on cancellation not on field merit.

"Over the next four months the RFU, Premiership Rugby and Championship representatives will work on recommendations for changes to the season structures for 2021/22 and beyond for both the Premiership and Championship."