PROMOTION and relegation are set to feature at both professional and community level rugby, according to an Rugby Football Union (RFU) statement released today.

The RFU terminated the 2019/20 season due to coronavirus, but unlike football's National League System, it seems that results will not be declared void in English rugby.

The final league tables are to be made available by 6pm tomorrow, at which point it will become clear whether the likes of Taunton Titans, Wellington and Burnham-on-Sea have achieved promotion.

Today's statement reads: "Following the early end of the rugby season in England as a result of COVID-19, the Rugby Football Union has announced the final league positions.

"Proposals from the RFU governance committee to conclude the season for those leagues at both professional and community level were yesterday ratified by the RFU Council.

"It was agreed that final standings for the Greene King IPA Championship and men’s and women’s community game would be calculated on a best playing record formula, maintaining promotion and relegation for those leagues.

"The Tyrrells Premier 15s season has been declared null and void as there is no promotion or relegation in this league.

"Final league tables will be available on www.EnglandRugby.com by 6pm, Friday 3 April."

RFU president Peter Wheeler said: “We believe that the decisions made provide fair and balanced outcomes for the game and maintain the integrity of the competitions.

"We have listened to recommendations from the heart of the game and the approach has been ratified by the RFU Council.

“This has been a difficult decision to make in the most unprecedented of circumstances.

"There is no single solution that will suit every club, but the approach taken is one that we believe best reflects the nature of league rugby in England.

“With 80 per cent of the season complete for the community game, we believe our approach is fair and the right one for our leagues.

"We have clubs that are clear league leaders and those who have said they would benefit from relegation to play more meaningful rugby.”