The RFU Council today voted in favor of a series of structural changes aimed at improving the financial stability and sustainability of professional rugby over the next three seasons while providing benefits to England Rugby and community play.

The package of measures, which involves a temporary break from relegation, will help cope with the unprecedented impact of Covid-19 on club finances.

The plan follows detailed consultation involving the game’s stakeholders, including Premiership Rugby and its member clubs, Championship clubs, RPA, RFU board and RFU board.

Nigel Melville, Chairman of the Premiership Rugby Investor Council, said: “Premiership Rugby has worked with the RFU and game stakeholders to develop the proposals approved today. We thank Council members for their support.

“In addition to supporting a leading England team, the plan will create a stable platform for professional play so that clubs can reset and rebuild after unprecedented financial pressures from Covid.

“With an agreed structure and an expansion plan in place for the next three seasons, we can now focus on creating a more sustainable future, developing our talented local players and creating an attractive league and competitive for fans.

“This is an exciting time for the development of the professional game and fans have a lot to look forward to in the years to come.

“After one of the most dramatic end to a season in Premiership history, we are already looking at the return of the Saracens next season and welcoming a 14th club to the league in a year from now.

“Everyone at Premiership Rugby is committed to working with our clubs and all of our partners to deliver the most exciting club rugby competition in the world.”

According to the plans approved by the RFU Council, the next three seasons will be as follows …

The Premiership will be made up of 13 teams. ·

There will be no relegation from the Premiership. ·

The winner of the Championship will be promoted, subject to meeting the minimum standards required.

The Premiership will be made up of 14 teams.

There will be no relegation or promotion so clubs can plan with more certainty and newly promoted clubs are supported in the transition between leagues.

The Premiership will end in May 2023 to allow more preparation time for the England men’s team ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

The Premiership will be made up of 14 teams.

There will be a play-off between the championship winner (provided that club meets the minimum standards required) and the club finishing last in the Premiership, with the result of deciding which club will play in the Premiership the following season.