New important date set for financially stricken Yorkshire after RFU stay of execution

Embattled Yorkshire Carnegie have had a stay of execution and will be allowed to take part on the 2019/20 Championship if they meet conditions set for them after entering into a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) in June.

The financially stricken club has been set a target of getting all creditors to agree to the terms of the CVA by August 9. If not, the could potentially be handed a 28-point deduction before a ball has even been kicked in the new Championship season. 

An RFU statement explained: "If the club stays up despite the points deduction, or would have been relegated anyway even without the points deduction, then there is a further deduction in the following season. The case remains subject to review.”

Commenting on the RFU statement, the Leeds RUFC board stated: “We have been liaising closely with RFU and a statement from the club will be made after next week’s board meeting.”

It was June 28 when the club last issued a statement. "We are pleased to confirm that the CVA was approved this morning by a majority of 100 per cent. 

“This is a fantastic result and we are humbled by the 100 per cent support of our creditors who voted to back the arrangement and cannot thank them enough.”

Carnegie took a further step forward towards getting ready for their October 13 opening Championship match at home to Bedford with Wednesday’s appointment of former England scrum-half Martyn Wood as full-time director of rugby. 

The two-time England cap, who played for Wasps and Bath and featured in the 2004 Premiership final before a neck injury curtailed his career at the age of 29, had been in charge at National League One side Hull Ionians since 2017. 

He said he is excited about the future for Yorkshire Carnegie as the club embraces a new part-time model for next season and begins the process of assembling a squad for the new Championship season.

“I’m delighted to have the opportunity to lead Yorkshire Carnegie as the club’s new director of rugby,” said the 42-year-old whose two England caps came against Canada and USA in 2001.

“I’m under no illusion that the challenge in front of us is massive this season but it’s one I’m looking forward to.

“I appreciate it has been a frustrating time for everyone involved with the club over the past few months but hopefully we can start with a clean page now and start to rebuild the club."

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