THE RFU HAS confirmed that Newcastle will be promoted into the Premiership next season.
They will take the place of Saracens, who have already been relegated from England’s top-tier league.
Dean Richards’ Newcastle were 18 points clear at the top of the Championship following 15 wins from 15 games when the remainder of the season was cancelled.
While second-placed Ealing had suggested they would consider legal action if Newcastle were to be automatically promoted – given they had not yet mathematically secured top spot – the RFU has now confirmed that Falcons will go up.
Saracens had already been relegated from the Premiership due to salary cap breaches in recent years, which resulted in points deductions that mean they cannot stay up even if the currently suspended top-flight season is completed.
The RFU reached a conclusion regarding the Championship after “a review to ensure fair and balanced outcomes,” with the final standings calculated “on a best playing record formula.”
Newcastle welcomed the RFU’s decision to promote them ahead of next season.
“These aren’t the circumstances under which any team would want to be promoted, but we thank the RFU for reaching a quick and decisive conclusion,” said Newcastle Falcons chairman Semore Kurdi.
“We fully appreciate the bigger picture with regards to the ongoing pandemic, and how sport pales into insignificance during times of national emergency.
“With that in mind there is no real sense of celebration at the confirmation of our promotion – our thoughts just go out to everyone who has been affected by the whole situation.
“I would like to express my appreciation and personal gratitude for all the hard work undertaken by our players and staff prior to the season being prematurely halted, and thank our supporters, sponsors and stakeholders for sticking with us.
“This huge collective effort enabled us to produce an incredible campaign which saw us winning every single game – 15 in the league and a further seven in the cup.
“We thank everyone for their patience and understanding during this uncertain time as we all deal with issues which are far bigger than rugby. We are doing our best to manage our way through this situation with everyone’s best interests at heart, and in the meantime would just urge everyone to stay safe and continue to follow government advice.”
Meanwhile, at the other end of the Championship table, the RFU has confirmed Yorkshire Carnegie’s relegation ahead of next season.
