Premiership relegation set to be suspended until at least 2024-25

Premiership Rugby relegation set to be SUSPENDED until at least the 2024-25 season – and the top division may be increased to 14 teams, opening the door for Ealing Trailfinders to join

• Sportsmail understands talks led to a plan for no club to go down for four years
• There is a widespread desire to expand the division with 14 teams on the cards
• The path appears clear for Ealing Trailfinders to join the top flight in due course 

Premiership relegation is set to be suspended until at least the 2024-25 season, but the top division could be expanded to 14 teams if a second-tier club are willing to buy shares.

In February, the RFU council approved a moratorium on relegation for this Covid-disrupted campaign, with the option to extend the ring-fencing arrangement – subject to further negotiations with various ‘stakeholders’.

Sportsmail understands that talks have led to a plan for no club to go down for four seasons including the current one.

Premiership relegation is set to be suspended and the division may be expanded to 14 teams

However, there is a widespread desire to further expand the elite league, which will increase from 12 to 13 sides after this season. Saracens are expected to be promoted, but Premiership clubs are keen to welcome a 14th team.

The path is clear for ambitious Ealing Trailfinders to join the top flight in due course, if they win the Championship and are willing to invest £20-35million to become full shareholders.

The RFU council are due to consider the extended ring-fencing system at a meeting in June. Sources have told Sportsmail that clubs anticipate the union will ratify the proposal. It would mean Premiership clubs are protected from relegation until after July 2024.

Saracens are expected to be promoted, but clubs are keen for a 14th team to join the league

The path is clear for ambitious Ealing Trailfinders (pictured) to join the top flight in due course

That is when the eight-year professional game agreement between the RFU and PRL (Premiership Rugby Ltd) – a funding deal worth in excess of £200m – will expire. It could be a time of upheaval, with critical club- country negotiations following a period of financial turmoil.

Saracens are seeking to bounce straight back up to the Premiership after being relegated for past salary-cap offences, exposed by Sportsmail.

The fallen European champions are expected to qualify for the two-leg play-off final — with BT Sport understood to have acquired the rights to screen the decisive second leg on June 19.

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