The RFU have confirmed that their will be relegation from the National One division at the end of the season, after denying the motion to have the competition ring-fenced. Three teams will be relegated down to National Two, with Hull and Leeds Tykes already confirmed to go down.
This decision puts Esher and Taunton Titans in danger to face the drop, with Taunton currently the third-lowest placed side. Just one point separates the two clubs, so a late saving grace could be on the horizon for the Devonshire side. Taunton face Leeds Tykes in a bottom of the table clash this weekend, in what has become a must win match for the Titans if they want to stay in the third division of English rugby.
Esher have the challenging task of facing the league leaders Rams RFC, with a defeat possibly costing Esher their place in the league on the final day.
Due to the Championship’s possible title winning sides not being eligible for a Premiership promotion, one team will drop down into the National One from the RFU Championship ahead of next season. As it stands, ground-sharing rivals Richmond and London Scottish are the two sides fighting to avoid relegation.
Richmond are four points clear of Scottish, with the two sides clashing today at their co-home the Richmond Athletic Ground. A bonus point win for Scottish could take them out of the drop-zone, in what would be a miraculous turn of fate for the Exiles.