RFU Championship–new format

Posted on May 21, 2012 in Championship

Following a period of consultation between the Rugby Football Union (RFU) and the Championship Clubs Committee, both parties are pleased to announce a new RFU Championship structure for season 2012-13.

Now in its third year, the RFU Championship currently adopts a two stage structure with a twenty-two round league season, followed by promotion and relegation play-offs.

The 2009-10 season saw Exeter Chiefs lift the inaugural trophy after topping their play-off group and winning the two legged final. Worcester Warriors enjoyed the same success last season, beating Cornish Pirates to return to the Aviva Premiership.

The agreed structure is designed to deliver optimum home games while continuing to provide an exciting season climax for Championship supporters.

The revised structure, which has been approved by the RFU Board, sees the 12 clubs compete in a league season across 22 rounds, with the bottom club relegated to SSE National League 1 and the top four clubs going on to compete in a two-legged semi-final and final. The winners of the semi-finals will go on to play in the RFU Championship final – also two legs.

The new structure will provide 11 home games for the Championship clubs and a minimum of six games in the revised British & Irish Cup.

The cross border competition will now run across nine weeks with six pool rounds, concluded by three weeks of knock-out stages (quarter-final, semi-final and final).

Rob Andrew, Professional Rugby Director of the RFU commented:

“Following consultation with the Championship Clubs Committee, we have come to a revised structure that meets with the approval of the clubs and the RFU Board.

“The reduction from an eight team promotion play-off to four will ultimately reward those clubs who best perform across the season, whilst encouraging a hugely competitive league to reach the top four.

“The amended structure also shows a further commitment to the British & Irish Cup which will include six pool matches played on a similar format to ERC competitions.

“The structure of the Championship has always been determined with the club’s input and agreement and this continues to be the case as we revise the competition for next season.  I would personally like to thank all the Championship clubs for their input into the new structure.”

Geoff Irvine, Chairman of the Championship Clubs, said:

"The clubs believe these changes will improve the competition, providing quality rather than quantity of fixtures. It should also help with congestion of fixtures which results in player welfare issues.

“The clubs are excited by the changes in the British & Irish Cup and believe that removing the playoff pools in the Championship will enable them to compete more vigorously in the Cup.”

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Centre Matavesi to become a Warrior

Posted on May 10, 2012 in Worcester Warriors

Worcester Warriors have confirmed the signing of hugely talented and versatile Fiji international back Josh Matavesi from French giants Racing Metro.

Matavesi, who previously played for Exeter Chiefs until his move to the Pariseans and the Top 14 in 2011, will move to Sixways from the start of next season following the completion of talks.

The 21-year-old, who can play across the back line and has featured regularly at inside centre for Racing Metro, has already earned five international caps for his country scoring 12 points with the boot.

The Fiji international, born and raised in Cornwall, is 6ft 1in and weighs 17 and a half stone.

Head Coach Richard Hill said: “We are very pleased that we can confirm the news that Josh will be joining the Warriors.

“We needed two good strong inside centres now we have released Dale Rasmussen and Sione Tu’ipulotu. Ravai Fatiaki has been fantastic the last six months with us and has really good potential. When you add that to the signing of Josh, we are pleased with our midfield options.

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Lock star Gillies returns to face Chiefs

Posted on Apr 13, 2012 in English Rugby, Premiership, Worcester Warriors

Lock Craig Gillies is one of three changes as Worcester Warriors prepare to face high-flying Exeter Chiefs in the Aviva Premiership at Sixways Stadium on Saturday afternoon (kick-off 3pm).

Vastly experienced Gillies is called in to join James Percival in the second row with Chris Jones (concussion) ruled out of the top-flight clash.

Wing Miles Benjamin is also fit to take his place on the wing after being ruled out of the last game with Leicester Tigers.

Flanker Neil Best will start his first game since November after recovering from a broken arm and joins Matt Kvesic, who celebrates his 20th birthday on match day, and Blair Cowan in the back row.

Prop George Porter and second row Ben Gulliver both win call-ups to the replacements.

“We haven’t made too many changes and have looked to the team that has done well here in victories over Gloucester, Saracens and Newcastle,” said Head Coach Richard Hill.

“The front five of Matt Mullan, Aleki Lutui, Tevita Taumoepeau, James Percival and Chris Jones have all performed strongly as a unit to keep some very good players out of the starting line-up.

“However, we do make one change as Craig Gillies comes in for Chris Jones, after he suffered concussion against Leicester.

“When Craig came on at Welford Road he was outstanding and called the lineouts to win virtually every single one, despite us being down to seven forwards. I know he will be keen to make a big impression.

“We have such talent in the back row it is always difficult to pick just three. But Neil Best is ready to be let loose against Exeter and Matt Kvesic deserves another start after he was the pick of the forwards against Leicester.

“Exeter have really impressed me throughout the season and really backed up the first year in the Aviva Premiership. Rob Baxter and his coaching team have really got the team playing as a unit and producing exciting rugby.

“It is a stern test for us on home soil, but we have been pleased with our form in 2012 at Sixways and want to maintain that until the end of the season.”

Tickets remain on sale NOW to watch Warriors tackle the Chiefs. Call the Warriors Box Office on 01905 454183 or click on Tickets at www.warriors.co.uk to take your seat for all the top-class action.

Warriors vs. Exeter Chiefs

15 Chris Pennell

14 Marcel Garvey

13 Alex Grove

12 Dale Rasmussen

11 Miles Benjamin

10 Andy Goode

9 Shaun Perry (c)

1 Matt Mullan

2 Aleki Lutui

3 Tevita Taumoepeau

4 James Percival

5 Craig Gillies

6 Neil Best

7 Matt Kvesic

8 Blair Cowan

Replacements:

16 Ed Shervington

17 George Porter

18 Bruce Douglas

19 Ben Gulliver

20 Kai Horstmann

21 Jonny Arr

22 Danny Gray

23 Ravai Fatiaki

Wigglesworth to miss the rest of the season

Posted on Oct 27, 2011 in English Rugby, Premiership, Saracens

Saracens Richard Wigglesworth has been ruled out for the rest of the season.

The scrum half underwent knee surgery this morning after injuring his ACL during Sunday’s LV=Cup clash against Exeter Chiefs.

Director of Rugby Mark McCall said: “It’s a big blow for Wiggy who has been playing so well for Saracens and has worked so hard in the past 18 months to get himself back in the England side. In my opinion he was one of England’s stand out players at the World Cup and it’s a shame he will miss the Six Nations. It’s also a blow for us but we are lucky to have two very good players in Neil de Kock and Ben Spencer who have both performed so well this season and because of that, we are not looking to recruit.”

Pirates sign Paver on loan from Chiefs

Posted on Sep 29, 2011 in Championship, Cornish Pirates, English Rugby, Exeter Chiefs

The Cornish Pirates have made an agreement with Exeter Chiefs whereby experienced prop forward Alan Paver can be loaned to them until further notice on a week by week basis.

‘Paves’, aged 33, will be training with the Chiefs this week ahead of their Premiership game at home to Saracens on Saturday.

Commenting on the loan arrangement, Cornish Pirates CEO Rod Coward said:

"Because of our excellent relationship with Exeter Chiefs, when Rob Baxter approached us asking if Alan Paver could be loaned to the Chiefs on a temporary basis we were happy to be able to help out. I know Paves will give of his very best and I’m confident that he will do the Pirates proud."