Two-time Champ Rugby winners Ealing Trailfinders’ promotion hopes have taken a hammer blow after the RFU announced the top division will be ringfenced from 2026.
Automatic promotion from the second-tier will be replaced by a franchise model, with underdeveloped regions such as Yorkshire and the West Midlands prioritised.
Trailfinders are 26 matches undefeated since last season in the league, on track to break records this season, however questions remain over the future of the English rugby pyramid.
Ealing have already been refused promotion twice, the RFU citing stadium capacity concerns – with Director of Rugby Ben Ward admitting Ealing will not be promoted this month.
Watch the video report below explaining the impact on Ealing and the question marks surrounding the future of the Trailfinders.
Featured image credit: Joseph Terry
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