'The Future Competitions Structure Group (FCS), on Friday, released a Recommendation Paper on the adult male competitions structure (English Club Championship Level 3 and below), for implementation in the 2021/22 season. This follows frequent engagement with the game over the last nine months and evidence collection.

We now have the opportunity to establish a competition structure across the game that serves the interests of all of our players and clubs and underpins our game for the future. The paper recognises the significant opportunity for rugby to develop an optimal playing offer and structure which:

Protects the future health of the adult male game
Meets the needs of current and future players
Balances quality of experience and player welfare needs and limits travel, while protecting the sustainability of clubs.

The proposals include:
Reducing league sizes in a number of instances
Introducing league break weekends
Organising leagues which minimise travel

These are all essential to meet the game’s needs. Player feedback has highlighted the importance of knockout rugby, therefore it is proposed that we invigorate cup/knock-out rugby. Click below to read the plan.

Your feedback is welcomed ahead of any RFU Council decision on 2 October 2020. Please click below to give your views, and please share the survey with your members so that they can have their say too.

Take the Survey

Please contact Competitions-Development@RFU.com if you have any questions.'