A points-per-game method has been used to determine the final standings for the 2019/20 rugby season, the Rugby Football Union has announced.
All rugby in England was suspended on March 16 following the coronavirus outbreak, with the RFU confirming on March 20 that the campaign was to end immediately.
In a statement published on Thursday, the RFU confirmed that proposals to end the season were ratified by the RFU council, and that final standings for the Greene King IPA Championship and men’s and women’s community game would be calculated on a best playing record formula, maintaining promotion and relegation for those leagues.
It means that Newcastle Falcons have secured an instant return to the Premiership, with the Cornish Pirates finishing third behind Ealing Trailfinders, while Yorkshire Carnegie's relegation to National League One has been confir
The final league tables for all other leagues are due to be announced by 6pm on Friday, but, provided the same method is used, it should see that Redruth finish third in National League 2 South and miss out on possible promotion by just two points.
Camborne would finish ninth in the South West Premier and St Austell would win Tribute Western Counties West by just one point from Wellington.
Penryn would finish sixth in Western Counties while Falmouth would finish tenth and avoid relegation, with Saltash rising above Wiveliscombe on points-per-game and avoiding the drop to Cornwall/Devon at the Somerset side's expense.
Truro would be confirmed as Cornwall/Devon winners, finishing well clear of second-placed Paignton, who would also secure an instant return to Western Counties.
RFU President, Peter Wheeler, 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.
“With 80% of the season complete for the community game, we believe our approach is fair and the right one for our leagues. We have clubs that are clear league leaders and those who have said they would benefit from relegation to play more meaningful rugby.”
Projected final standings of divisions
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