RELEGATION from the Gallagher Premiership and Greene King IPA Championship for the 2020/21 campaign has been scrapped, the Rugby Football Union have confirmed. 

The Council members considered the impact Covid-19 has had on all areas of the game, including the earlier decision to suspend promotion and relegation in the community game and the Gallagher Premiership cancelling a significant number of matches in the 2020/21 season. 

These cancellations have resulted in a material impact on league positions which could mean relegation based on cancellation not on field merit. 

Promotion from second-tier will remain providing the champions are eligible for the top-flight under the current Minimum Standards Criteria, meaning, in all likelihood a 13 team Premiership for the 2021/22 season.

The RFU have also stated that there will be a review into minimum standards for future seasons and over the next four months the RFU, Premiership Rugby and Championship representatives will work on recommendations for changes to the season structures for 2021/22 and beyond for both the Premiership and Championship. 

Speaking about the RFU Council vote, RFU President, HH Jeff Blackett said; “The RFU Council has taken time to understand and discuss all the factors regarding no relegation for this season so that we act in the best interests of all levels of the game. 

"We want to ensure a healthy elite game to support successful winning England teams that generate income to stimulate and preserve the game across all levels. 

"The Council will continue to be closely engaged with the proposals from the RFU, Premiership Rugby and the Championship to ensure we maintain the integrity of the future league structures for England Rugby.”