Cornish Pirates

"RFU Management Board ratifies Championship promotion

Wednesday May 26, 2010
Issued by Dave Barton

The RFU Management Board today discussed the recommendation from the independent auditors PMP that both Bristol and Exeter have met the Minimum Standards criteria for the Guinness Premiership.

As a result of those discussions the Board ratified that position and the winner of this evening's second leg of the Championship final will be promoted to the Guinness Premiership for next season."

Final Play off Result Bristol 10 Exeter 29

Exeter Promoted

Coventry and Birmingham & Solihull

Wednesday May 26, 2010
Issued by Dave Barton

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) Management Board today accepted the three-year business plans submitted by Birmingham & Solihull RC and Coventry Rugby Limited.

As such, both clubs have been granted full membership of the RFU and will play at their respective levels next season - Birmingham & Solihull in the RFU Championship and Coventry in National One.

The relegation of Coventry from the RFU Championship to National One and the promotion of Esher to replace them is now confirmed.

RFU Management Board Chairman Martyn Thomas said:

"As both clubs went into administration this season and re-emerged as new legal entities or 'phoenix companies' it was important that they satisfied us that they had the money, resources and assets, including access to an appropriate ground at which to play their games, required for a club at their level.

"We therefore asked both clubs for comprehensive business plans that were validated and supported by required legal guarantees where appropriate.

Both clubs provided these plans well within the required timescale and the RFU has done all the due diligence possible to ensure that those plans are robust and sustainable. The Management Board today decided that was the case and so these two great names of English rugby will now play as full members of the RFU."