Plan to turn rugby's League One pro

Rugby chiefs today revealed plans to replace National League One next season with a fully professional 12team Championship.

If the Rugby Football Union Council approve the proposal on Friday the top 12 sides in Division One this term will be invited to join. If any of them want to stay amateur their place will be offered to the next highest-ranked side from the 16-team league.

Funding will be provided by the RFU, Premier Rugby Ltd, and the new five-year agreement with Sky Sports. Martyn Thomas, the Management Board chairman, said: "The Championship will be a vital part of the structure of English rugby.

"For too long First Division Rugby has hovered between the community game and the Premiership. Now is the time to establish its rightful place. The RFU are fully committed to funding and supporting a professional and robust league with minimum entry criteria and a salary cap that will support the Guinness Premiership."