Doncaster Knights to appeal decision to refuse them chance of promotion

Doncaster Knights say they will appeal the decision denying them a chance of promotion to the Gallagher Premiership.

The Rugby Football Union announced on Tuesday that Championship leaders Doncaster and third-placed Ealing Trailfinders had failed to meet minimum standards criteria for Premiership entry.

The clubs fell short as their respective home grounds are unable to hold at least 10,001 supporters.

Covid recovery measures agreed by the RFU last June allowed for the Premiership to be expanded from 13 clubs to 14 at the end of the 2021-22 season, enabling the winner of the second tier to move up.

Doncaster’s Castle Park stadium currently has a capacity of around 5,183, with 1,926 seats, while Ealing’s Trailfinders Sports Ground is able to hold approximately 5,000 spectators, with 2,115 seats.

According to the RFU, both clubs have suggested they could seek to expand their facilities, however no formal planning permissions are in place, while neither proposed ground-share arrangements in their applications.

Doncaster, though, say they are “disappointed, dismayed and disheartened” as they confirmed an appeal.

“Doncaster RFC are disappointed, dismayed and disheartened by the decision of the Rugby Football Union board to disallow the club’s application to play in the Premiership should the Doncaster Knights win the current season’s Championship,” a statement posted on the club’s official website read.

“The club will be appealing the decision.

“Within the audit process, the only failure by the club is to, currently, not be able to demonstrate a capacity crowd of 10,001 at the club’s ground, Castle Park.

“All other aspects of the audit it seems are in order, and Castle Park has, on a number of occasions, demonstrated its