Championship could run with shorter season

HARTPURY could take part in a shorter, conferencebased Rugby Championship season with the title decided by play-offs.

The Rugby Paper reports that whilst a full 22-match tier-two programme starting on January 16 remains the number one option, clubs have voiced concerns over completing such a tightly packed schedule by mid-june.

Alternative plans being drawn up would see the league split into two conferences of six playing each other home and away, with single cross-conference matches taking place to produce a 16-game campaign.

Single-legged semi-finals hosted by the winners would be followed by a home and away final, meaning overwhelming favourites Saracens could face a nervejangling June showdown with Ealing Trailfinders in order to regain their top-flight status.

Championship clubs, along with those in the Premiership and community game, are still awaiting firm details of how £135m of promised government grants and loans will be distributed.

While the £9m of government funding pledged to the Championship has been welcomed, clubs are concerned by suggestions that 75% of that figure will be loans.

Should a conference system be ratified, the Rugby Paper understands it would be based on last season’s finishing positions, with relegated Saracens taking the place of Newcastle and promoted Richmond being the 12th placed club.

Pool A: Saracens, Cornish Pirates, Ampthill, Jersey, Doncaster, Hartpury

Pool B: Ealing, Coventry, Nottingham, Bedford, London Scottish, Richmond