Promotion

We are delighted to be able to report that following a constructive process of dialogue and engagement with between the FCS Implementation Commission, clubs, CBs, North DOC and Council Members, the Lancashire and Cheshire clubs that formed the ADM Leagues will be re-joining the English Club Championship (ECC) as of the 2022-23 season. We are working through the final details of the leagues, but we will be welcoming some 40 clubs back to the RFU competitions structure. We can also confirm there will be four levels of leagues (that previously would have been known as level 7-10) and as they will be part of the RFU league pyramid, it will provide a path to promotion to higher playing levels for clubs with the desire to achieve this.

The finalised league structure for the 2022-23 season will be released to the game (along with all other FCS changes) by the 20^th May with fixtures being published by mid-June.

FCS Group Chair, Stephen Pearson commented ‘A united English league structure was a key objective at the outset for us. A broader participation of Lancashire and Cheshire clubs, alongside the rest of our clubs in England, will enhance the standing of the Cup and League offering; our National RFU cup champions really will be national champions. Thanks to all those involved in making that happen’

Lancashire’s Director of Rugby Howard Hughes explained. ‘With our continued expansion and the RFU Future Competitions Structure about to be implemented nationally it became clear that it would be mutually beneficial to bring everyone back together. The RFU have delegated powers to the adm League Management Committee (that will include Cheshire and Lancashire representation) and we will continue to keep the structure as vibrant, innovative  and welcoming as it has since its inception.’

Council Member for Cheshire, Colin Free commented 'we are delighted to reunite with Lancashire RFU in the leagues which will see a return of (what was) South Lancs & Cheshire 1, 2 & 3. We have of course continued to work and cooperate with Lancashire and I know that our Clubs who were accepted into the ADM leagues have been grateful and have enjoyed the experience. If it isn’t broken then let’s use the best of everything to allow clubs to progress in the pyramid if they wish to. Thank you to all concerned for their hard work, dedication and fortitude to make this happen. We look forward to a great season starting in September.'

We hope this brings clarity and greater certainty for clubs going into the 2022-23 season and will be welcomed as good news.

Kind regards 

FCS Implementation Commission