Tyrrells Premier 15s declared null and void in light of coronavirus pandemic
The Tyrrells Premier 15s has been declared null and void by the Rugby Football Union in light of the coronavirus pandemic.
The decision to void the competition was ratified by the RFU Council following the suspension of all rugby activity in England bar the Gallagher Premiership earlier this month.
No promotion or relegation was set to take place in England's elite women’s rugby tier, which has operated a ‘locked league’ system since its inauguration in 2017 whereby no sides are relegated to the Women’s Championship, the amateur second-tier of women’s club rugby.
Final standings for the women’s community game will be available to view on England Rugby’s website by 6pm on Friday April 3. Promotion across these women’s rugby tiers will be determined by a "best playing record formula”.
Peter Wheeler, the RFU president, said: “We believe that the decisions made provide fair and balanced outcomes for the game and maintain the integrity of the competitions. We have listened to recommendations from the heart of the game and the approach has been ratified by the RFU Council.
“This has been a difficult decision to make in the most unprecedented of circumstances. There is no single solution that will suit every club, but the approach taken is one that we believe best reflects the nature of league rugby in England.”
Two-time champions Saracens topped the Premier 15s by two points ahead of second-place Harlequins before the Premier 15s was suspended on March 20 just as it was due to return after the international break. The London club had been gunning for a third consecutive Premier 15s title.
Meanwhile, the RFU is expected to reveal the four teams which will compete in the Premier 15s until 2022-23 later this month.
Four teams - Richmond, DMP Sharks, Worcester and Firwood Waterloo - are understood to have retended for their place in the competition while Exeter Chief Women, Sale Sharks, Newcastle Falcons have also submitted bids to join the league from next season.
