Hartpury set for ten-game season now

HARTPURY will open the 2021 Championship rugby season at home to newly-promoted side Richmond on the weekend of March 6-7, writes Mark Halliwell.

Following loan assurances from Government as part of the Winter Sports Survival Package, 11 clubs have elected to invest in Covid testing under the elite sport guidance framework to allow a start to the season.

Hartpury confirmed at the end of last week that they would take part, with club chairman Russell Marchant saying: “Despite our disappointment with the lack of support from the Government’s Sports Winter Survival Package or the RFU, we have decided to go ahead and play this season.

“It will give our players a chance to play the game they love and also hopefully provide a progression opportunity for current and former students.

“We want to continue to build on the 11 Hartpury alumni who are involved with the Six Nations.”

In a change from the earlier concept of two six-team pools, all teams will now play each other once, meaning a ten-game season for most clubs – London Scottish having elected not to participate.

At the end of the season, the top two teams will go into a twolegged play-off for the right to appear in the top-tier Gallagher Premiership next season.

Aside from Richmond’s trip to Hartpury, Saracens kick-off their season away to Cornish Pirates, who finished last season in third.

Ealing Trailfinders travel to Nottingham for their opening match, while Ampthill, who were fifth in their first season at this level, are at home to Doncaster Knights. Coventry host Bedford Blues, and Jersey Reds have a bye.

Hartpury, who were in 11th place out of 12 clubs when the Championship was suspended last Marc, face trips to the two of the league’s heavyweights, Ealing and Saracens, this time round, with the latter being the last of the regular season.

Exact kick-off times are yet to be agreed and with crowds being absent until further notice, there is discussion on-going regarding the live-streaming of fixtures.

Hartpury’s GKIPA Championship fixtures: March 6-7 Richmond (H), March 13-14 Bedford (A), March 20-21 Doncaster (H), March 27-28 Ealing (A), April 10-11 Nottingham (H), April 17-18 Ampthill (A), April 24-25 Coventry (H), May 1-2 Bye week, May 15-16 Cornish Pirates (A), May 22-23 Jersey (H),

May 29-30 Saracens (A), June 12-13 Play-off 1, June 19-20 Play-off 2.