Premiership Rugby: league to expand to 14 clubs after 2021-22, no promotions/relegations in 2022-23

"The RFU Council has voted in favour of a range of structural changes (including a Covid Recovery Plan) to improve the financial stability and sustainability of professional rugby during the next three seasons. It includes a temporary pause on relegation. With the context of Covid losses, a temporary pause on relegation will give club owners more certainty and stability," said Premiership Rugby on 29/06/2021.

According to the body, "the changes that will now be introduced include:
•  the expansion of the Premiership to 14 clubs at the end of the 2021-22 season through the promotion (subject to meeting the required minimum standards) of the winner of the Greene King IPA Championship.
•  A 2022-23 season in which no side will be relegated from or promoted, a play-off in the 2023-24 season between the club finishing bottom of the Premiership and the winner of the Championship (subject to that club meeting the required minimum standards), with the result to decide which club plays in the Premiership during the following season.
•  From 2024-25 promotion and relegation between the…