The run in.....................

No relegation from the Championship, and just one club promoted from National One, implies that one of the bankrupt clubs must be about to be reinstated, to make up the 14 clubs at level 2.

One appreciates that they will all be playing cards close to chests, but (apart from a piece about the sad death of Tom Voyce) there has been nothing from Wasps since November. There has been more activity from London Irish, most recently regarding the RFU blocking an attempt by them to join the URC.

Worcester are bullish about their wish to be back at level 2 for the start of the 2025/26 season, so I conclude (2 + 2 = 5 maybe) that they are that 14th team.

If the RFU document is correct and binding, most importantly for my club, we can look forward to a relaxed final five matches of this season, and not a dogfight with Esher to avoid that third relegation slot. Dare we believe that? From the messages above, most people seem to be assuming it.

It appears that the 'relegation spreadsheet' mentioned above is being updated after each round of matches... latest one after last Sat as below

Esher have a rather tricky away trip to Bishop Stortford who are still mathematically not yet safe three positions above Esher, so this too is very much another cup final match in this fascinating tussle to remain in this fine Nat 1 league.

Interestingly the early predictions by the experts on this forum seem to think Bishops Stortford will prevail at home and a bit of a split as to whether Leicester Lions can pull off a win at home, whatever the outcome. A very fascinating sub plot within a very tense weekend for most of the sides in Nat1, all having something to play for as we go into the culmination of a great season of rugby at level 3.