• Ealing and Doncaster Knights have formally applied

• Formal removal of relegation still to be ratified

Behind-the-scenes arguments about the proposed transformation of the top tier of English club rugby into a franchise-based league are intensifying with just two Champ clubs now eligible for promotion this season. Only Ealing Trailfinders and Doncaster Knights have formally applied to be promoted to the Prem with Worcester Warriors having declined to do so.

A Rugby Football Union spokesperson confirmed on Tuesday that Worcester have taken the decision because the club is still “getting back on its feet” after its financial collapse in September 2022 with debts of over £25m. But with Ealing unable to satisfy the Prem minimum standards for the last two seasons and Doncaster currently off the pace in 10th place, it raises fresh questions about the raison d’être of the scheduled new end-of-season Champ playoffs, unveiled amid much fanfare earlier this year.

• Ealing and Doncaster Knights have formally applied

• Formal removal of relegation still to be ratified

Behind-the-scenes arguments about the proposed transformation of the top tier of English club rugby into a franchise-based league are intensifying with just two Champ clubs now eligible for promotion this season. Only Ealing Trailfinders and Doncaster Knights have formally applied to be promoted to the Prem with Worcester Warriors having declined to do so.

A Rugby Football Union spokesperson confirmed on Tuesday that Worcester have taken the decision because the club is still “getting back on its feet” after its financial collapse in September 2022 with debts of over £25m. But with Ealing unable to satisfy the Prem minimum standards for the last two seasons and Doncaster currently off the pace in 10th place, it raises fresh questions about the raison d’être of the scheduled new end-of-season Champ playoffs, unveiled amid much fanfare earlier this year.

• Ealing and Doncaster Knights have formally applied

• Formal removal of relegation still to be ratified

Behind-the-scenes arguments about the proposed transformation of the top tier of English club rugby into a franchise-based league are intensifying with just two Champ clubs now eligible for promotion this season. Only Ealing Trailfinders and Doncaster Knights have formally applied to be promoted to the Prem with Worcester Warriors having declined to do so.

A Rugby Football Union spokesperson confirmed on Tuesday that Worcester have taken the decision because the club is still “getting back on its feet” after its financial collapse in September 2022 with debts of over £25m. But with Ealing unable to satisfy the Prem minimum standards for the last two seasons and Doncaster currently off the pace in 10th place, it raises fresh questions about the raison d’être of the scheduled new end-of-season Champ playoffs, unveiled amid much fanfare earlier this year.