Doncaster Knights have released a statement on their official club website, explaining that they are in fact eligible to play in the Premiership next season, if they achieve promotion from the Championship. The statement from the RFU explains how the Yorkshire club meets the minimum requirements for a Premiership standard stadium at Castle Park.
Doncaster’s press release, which quotes the RFU Board, also presents how their Championship rivals Ealing Trailfinders are not elligible for Premiership promotion. The facilities at the Trailfinders Sports Ground reportedly do not meet the minimum requirement needed, to play in the top flight of English rugby.
The RFU’s statement on Doncaster and Ealing’s Minimum Standards Criteria Assessment, as reported on Doncaster Knights club website:
“Doncaster Knights have satisfied the Minimum Standards Criteria and are eligible for promotion to the Premiership at the end of season 2022/23. Castle Park has a licensed capacity of over 5,000, with planning permission to extend beyond 10,000. The club has also provided detailed information regarding the safety assurance process to be undertaken by their local authority.”
“Ealing Trailfinders were not able to evidence the necessary licensed capacity, supported by a safety certificate or planning permission to achieve a capacity of over 10,000. Ealing Trailfinders are therefore not eligible for promotion to the Premiership at the end of season 2022/23.”
Doncaster currently sit at fifth in the RFU Championship, with Ealing Trailfinders leading the league with 12 wins out of 14 matches. This is frustrating news for Ealing, with a promotion spot up for grabs in the Premiership following the dissolvement of Worcester Warriors.