RFU statement: Doncaster eligible for Gallagher Premiership promotion

Doncaster have been cleared for Gallagher Premiership promotion provided they finish the current season as Championship champions and then win a two-legged play-off against the top-flight’s bottom club, most likely versus Newcastle.

The winless Falcons are adrift in 10th place with just four points, leaving them 18 points behind Gloucester with six rounds of matches remaining.

However, there is still a long way to go before any play-off versus Doncaster is set in stone as the Knights have much work to do on the field to become second-tier champions.

They are currently fourth in their 11-team division, trailing the leaders Ealing by 14 points. The Knights have six games remaining compared to the seven that Trailfinders have.

No other Championship club applied to be assessed under the minimum standards criteria, so only Doncaster are eligible to go up.

An RFU statement read: “Doncaster Knights has met the minimum standards criteria (MSC) and is therefore eligible for promotion to the Gallagher Premiership.

“Promotion is subject to coming top of the Championship league at the end of the season and then winning a two-legged home and away play-off against the club finishing bottom of the Gallagher Premiership Rugby table.

“Doncaster Knights was the only Championship club to apply to for a MSC audit and is therefore the only club eligible for promotion.”

Doncaster issued a response to the news with a statement on their website from Emma White, their managing director.

“Of course we are delighted to pass the RFU audit for the second year running, we are very proud of our facilities and the staff here constantly strive towards the best performance, no matter their role.”