Reds to kick off their defence against Cov
Champions Jersey Reds will begin the defence of their Championship crown against third-placed Coventry when league action starts on October 22.
The league competition will be played over 22 rounds, beginning over the weekend of 20- 22 October, with the final round scheduled for the weekend of 24-26 May next year.
A two-leg play-off for promotion to the Premiership will then take place on the weekends of May 31 – June 2 and June 7-9 between the top placed team in the Championship (provided it meets the minimum standards criteria) and the last placed team in the Premiership.
Championship committee chairman, Simon Halliday, said: “This is a hugely important year for all Championship clubs, and I wish each of them the very best for the coming season.
“I would particularly like to welcome Cambridge who achieved a wonderful promotion and I know that they will add greatly to the league as did Caldy last year.
“As the incoming chairman I look forward to helping build on the work already done as the English game looks towards the future and a sustainable recovery.”
The league will consist of 12 teams next season after Cambridge secured promotion to the Championship for topping National 1. The newcomers take on Ampthill away in their first-round game. Ealing Trailfinders who finished second in the league last season, play Bedford, while Doncaster face Hartpury at home, Caldy play Nottingham and London Scottish travel to face Cornish Pirates.
The pool stages of the Premiership Cup, in which Championship sides will play this season, will kick off the season starting on the weekend of September 8-10 with the semi-finals held between February 16-18 and the final over the weekend of March 15-17.
RFU director of performance rugby Conor O'Shea said: “The 2022-23 season finale went down the wire with only two points ultimately separating the top two teams in the table, showcasing the drama of the Championship, and we can expect more of the same in the upcoming season.
“We're really pleased to welcome Cambridge, who had a fantastic season in National 1, and will be a great addition to the Championship.”
