ENGLISH CLUBS CHAMPIONSHIP – LEAGUE RESTRUCTURING DETAILS – SEASON 2009-2010

Last October, the RFU North Competitions Committee (RFUNCC) wrote to all Clubs (Levels 6-11), who participated in League Rugby to seek their views regarding League sizes and their willingness or not to compete in RFU Cup Competitions. Level 5 Clubs were not consulted as they, and the RFU had already made it clear that they wanted an increase in League sizes at that level. Clubs were asked to complete a Questionnaire, return it, confirming what they wished to happen. Approximately 78% of Clubs responded, which demonstrated to the RFUNCC, that there was much interest in the future of the League and Cup Competitions.

Whilst discussions are still ongoing as far as the Cup Competitions are concerned, (and we will advise at a later date what decisions have been agreed), we are now in a position to inform Clubs that effective from the 2009-2010 season, the following changes will take place to the League Structure here in the North.

Level 5. (Currently North 1). Increase number of teams from 12 to 14.

Level 6. (Currently North 2 East and North 2 West). Increase number of teams from 12 to 14.

Level 7. (Currently Durham/Northumberland 1, Yorkshire 1, North Lancashire & Cumbria, and South Lancashire/Cheshire 1).Increase number of teams from 12 to 14.

Level 8. (Currently Durham/Northumberland 2 and Yorkshire 2). No increase in number of teams. To remain at 12 maximum.

Level 8. (Currently North Lancashire 1, South Lancashire/Cheshire 2, Cumbria). Increase number of teams from 12 to 14. NB: Cumbria League size – discussions still taking place. . :

Level 9 and below. (all other remaining Leagues). Exact details of League sizes still to be fully determined, but the aim is to give Clubs – 12 team Leagues and/or a maximum of 22 League games per season.

Impact of Restructuring on Season 2008-2009’s - Promotion & Relegation issues:

In considering Promotion & Relegation issues, it should be borne in mind that the North Divisional Area, has to implement League Promotion & Relegation, in conjunction with the other three Divisional Organising Committee’s. This is necessary, in order to ensure that the total English Clubs Championship is balanced, in respect of League sizes. It is anticipated that in the next two to three seasons, the introduction of increased League sizes for 2009-2010, will have been consolidated, and thus result in any major changes necessary to enable Restructuring to take place, will be minimised.

Level 5.

Promotion: League Winners to be promoted along with the Winner of the North 1 v Midlands 1 Play Off game.

Relegation: The Two 12th placed Clubs from North 1, Midlands 1, London 1, and South West 1, with the “Best Playing Record” will be reprieved from Relegation, The Two remaining 12th placed Clubs will be relegated to Level 6. (one each into Two of the Four Divisions as above.

Level 6.

Promotion: League Winners of North 2 East & North 2 West to be Promoted to Level 5, along with the Winner of the North 2 East v North 2 West Play Off.

Relegation: There will be no Relegation from Level 6.

Level 7.

Promotion: League Winners of Durham/Northumberland 1, Yorkshire 1, North Lancashire/Cumbria, and South Lancashire/Cheshire 1 to be Promoted to Level 6.

The TWO Divisions NOT to have a Club Relegated from Level 5 to Level 6 will promote THREE of their FOUR 2nd placed Level 7 Clubs to Level 6. The TWO Clubs within each of these Divisions with the “Best Playing Record” will gain automatic Promotion.

The remaining Two 2nd placed Clubs in the Division will Play Off for the 3rd Promotion place at the ground of the Club with the “Best Playing Record”. The Play Offs in the other TWO Divisions will go ahead in the usual way with the TWO Winners promoted.

Relegation: There will be no Relegation from Level 7.