Talks over the construction of a future second tier are persevering with, with present Championship golf equipment eager on a meritocratic system that enables for promotion and relegation.
Premiership sides Worcester, Wasps and London Irish all went bust final 12 months, together with Championship champions Jersey Reds.
Championship sides are involved over the distribution of funding – they declare the present proposals for the 2025 season will lead to second-tier golf equipment sharing £4m compared to £33m between the ten Premiership sides.
They’ve continued to battle for funding for the reason that Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, with central RFU funds falling from £645,000 per membership in 2019 to £150,000.
Earlier this 12 months Cornish Pirates mentioned they have been not able to bring in new investment due to the ongoing uncertainty over the future of the second tier.
A ultimate determination on the make-up of a brand new second tier shall be made by the RFU council no later than 1 August 2024, together with the principles on how groups shall be accepted into the brand new league.
“The target is to create a second tier that helps the English system by growing younger English expertise, while supporting the golf equipment to turn out to be financially sustainable by rising native audiences and rising the worth within the league,” the RFU mentioned.
“In April 2024, Council permitted the rules of a brand new governance construction, the Minimal Working Requirements, and the precept of Tier Two comprising 14 golf equipment from 2025-26.”