The 2020–21 RFU Championship, also known as the 2020–21 Greene King IPA Championship for sponsorship reasons, was the twelfth season of the RFU Championship, the professional second tier of rugby union in England. It featured ten English teams and one from Jersey. The competition was sponsored by Greene King for the eighth successive season.[1] Due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom, this season featured a truncated timeframe of just 16 weeks with a later start and fewer rounds.
| 2020–21 RFU Championship | |
|---|---|
| Countries |  England Jersey |
| Date | 6 March 2021 — 20 June 2021 |
| Champions | Saracens (3rd title) |
| Runners-up | Ealing Trailfinders |
| Matches played | 56 |
| Attendance | 4,188 (average 75 per match) |
| Highest attendance | 2,000 Saracens vs Ampthill 17 May 2021 |
| Tries scored | 430 (average 7.7 per match) |
| Top point scorer | Owen Farrell (Saracens) 102 points |
| Top try scorer |  Rayn Smid(Ealing Trailfinders) 9 tries |
Structure edit
In a change from previous years, the eleven teams played each of the other teams once only, either home or away, to produce a ten-round season. The top two teams played each other in a two-legged play-off, with the winner promoted to the Premiership, if eligible. Due to the cancellation of the National League 1, there was no relegation.[2] The season began on 6 March 2021, and the final round of matches were played in May 2021.[3] Each team received one bye week, and there were three reserve weekends during the season.
RFU funding change edit
Each club received approximately £375,000 in funding from the RFU in a phased return to the level of funding provided prior to 2016–17 season.[4][5] Following news of the funding change, several clubs announced their intention to switch to a semi-professional business model.[6][7]
Teams edit
Nine of the eleven teams played in last season's competition. Yorkshire Carnegie, later renamed Leeds Tykes, were relegated to National League 1 after finishing bottom of the 2019–20 RFU Championship. They were replaced by Richmond who were promoted from 2019–20 National League 1 after just one year away from the Championship. Newcastle Falcons were promoted back to Premiership Rugby at the first attempt.[4] They were replaced in the RFU Championship by Saracens, who were relegated after finishing bottom of the 2019–20 Premiership Rugby table.[8]
On 2 February 2021, Ampthill announced that due to funding cuts and the costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, they might not be able to take part in the season.[9] However, after a large donation, they were able to participate.[10]
London Scottish did not participate due to the costs associated with the pandemic.[11]
| Club | Stadium | Capacity | Area | Previous season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ampthill | Dillingham Park | 3,000 | Ampthill, Bedfordshire | 5th |
| Bedford Blues | Goldington Road | 5,000 (1,700 seats)[a] | Bedford, Bedfordshire | 8th |
| Cornish Pirates | Mennaye Field | 4,000 (2,200 seats) | Penzance, Cornwall | 3rd |
| Coventry | Butts Park Arena | 4,000 (3,000 seats) | Coventry, West Midlands | 4th |
| Doncaster Knights | Castle Park | 5,000 (1,650 seats) | Doncaster, South Yorkshire | 10th |
| Ealing Trailfinders | Trailfinders Sports Ground | 4,000 (2,200 seats) | West Ealing, London | 2nd |
| Hartpury University | ALPAS Arena | 2,000 | Hartpury, Gloucestershire | 11th |
| Jersey Reds | Stade Santander International | 4,000 | Saint Peter, Jersey | 7th |
| Nottingham | Lady Bay Sports Ground | 3,500 | Nottingham, Nottinghamshire | 6th |
| Richmond | Athletic Ground | 4,500 (1,000 seats) | Richmond, London | Promoted from National League 1 |
| Saracens | StoneX Stadium | 8,500 | Hendon, Greater London | Relegated from Premiership Rugby |
Pre-season competition edit
Ahead of the season, Ealing, Doncaster and Saracens participated in the Trailfinders Challenge Cup, as a pre-season warm-up. It took place between the 16 January and 20 February as a round-robin tournament where teams played each other home and away.[12]
Ealing Trailfinders won the competition with one game remaining, they received a trophy and £20,000.[13]
Table edit
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | PF | PA | PD | TF | TA | TB | LB | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ealing Trailfinders (CH) | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 152 | 98 | +54 | 21 | 13 | 3 | 0 | 19 |
| 2 | Saracens | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 81 | 76 | +5 | 12 | 9 | 2 | 1 | 9[b] |
| 3 | Doncaster Knights | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 56 | 115 | −59 | 7 | 18 | 1 | 0 | 5[b] |
Notes:
Fixtures edit
| 16 January 2021 15:00 |
| Ealing Trailfinders | 27–26 | Saracens (1 BP) |
| Report |
| Trailfinders Sports Ground Attendance: 0 Referee: Jack Makepeace |
| 30 January 2021 15:00 |
| (1 BP) Doncaster Knights | 26–46 | Ealing Trailfinders (1 BP) |
| Report |
| Castle Park Attendance: 0 Referee: Hamish Smales |
| 6 February 2021 13:00 |
| (1 BP) Saracens | 26–39 | Ealing Trailfinders (1 BP) |
| Report |
| StoneX Stadium Attendance: 0 Referee: Mike Hudson |
| 13 February 2021 16:15 |
| (1 BP) Saracens | 29–10 | Doncaster Knights |
| Report |
| StoneX Stadium Referee: Andrew Jackson |
| 20 February 2021 15:00 |
| (1 BP) Ealing Trailfinders | 40–20 | Doncaster Knights |
| Report |
| Trailfinders Sports Ground |
Table edit
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | PF | PA | PD | TB | LB | Pts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ealing Trailfinders (RU) | 10 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 505 | 161 | +344 | 9 | 0 | 45 | Play-off place |
| 2 | Saracens (CH) | 9 | 8 | 0 | 1 | 444 | 101 | +343 | 8 | 0 | 40[a] | |
| 3 | Doncaster Knights | 10 | 8 | 0 | 2 | 236 | 225 | +11 | 4 | 0 | 36 | |
| 4 | Cornish Pirates | 10 | 6 | 0 | 4 | 268 | 210 | +58 | 5 | 3 | 32 | |
| 5 | Coventry | 10 | 6 | 0 | 4 | 252 | 282 | −30 | 5 | 1 | 30 | |
| 6 | Jersey Reds | 10 | 5 | 0 | 5 | 256 | 284 | −28 | 4 | 0 | 24 | |
| 7 | Ampthill | 10 | 4 | 0 | 6 | 217 | 325 | −108 | 4 | 2 | 22 | |
| 8 | Bedford Blues | 10 | 3 | 0 | 7 | 213 | 268 | −55 | 2 | 3 | 17 | |
| 9 | Hartpury | 9 | 2 | 0 | 7 | 228 | 360 | −132 | 3 | 1 | 12[a] | |
| 10 | Nottingham | 10 | 2 | 0 | 8 | 169 | 344 | −175 | 2 | 2 | 12 | |
| 11 | Richmond | 10 | 1 | 0 | 9 | 138 | 366 | −228 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
Rules for classification: If teams are level at any stage, tiebreakers are applied in the following order:
- Number of matches won
- Difference between points for and against
- Total number of points for
- Aggregate number of points scored in matches between tied teams
- Number of matches won excluding the first match, then the second and so on until the tie is settled
Notes:
Fixtures & Results edit
Fixtures for the season were announced by the RFU on 8 February 2021.[3] Jersey Reds played only 3 games at home, having switched with their opponents for their rounds 3 and 5 games based on travel concerns.[15]
Round 1 edit
| 6 March 2021 13:15 |
| (1 BP) Hartpury | 38 – 15 | Richmond |
| Hartpury University |
| ALPAS Arena Attendance: 0[a] Referee: Christophe Ridley |
| 6 March 2021 15:00 |
| Cornish Pirates | 25 – 17 | Saracens |
| Pirates |
| Mennaye Field Attendance: 0[a] Referee: Sara Cox |
| 6 March 2021 15:00 |
| Coventry | 10 – 9 | Bedford Blues (1 BP) |
| Coventry |
| Butts Park Arena Attendance: 0[a] Referee: Hamish Smales |
| 7 March 2021 13:00 |
| (1 BP) Ampthill | 17 – 19 | Doncaster Knights |
| Ampthill |
| Dillingham Park Attendance: 0[a] Referee: Simon Harding |
| 7 March 2021 13:00 |
| Nottingham | 3 – 52 | Ealing Trailfinders (1 BP) |
| Trailfinders |
| Lady Bar Sports Ground Attendance: 0[a] Referee: Jack Makepeace |
| Bye/s: Jersey Reds |
Round 2 edit
| 12 March 2021 18:00 |
| Doncaster Knights | 20 – 19 | Coventry (1 BP) |
| Knights |
| Castle Park Attendance: 0[a] Referee: Hamish Smales |
| 12 March 2021 19:45 |
| Bedford Blues | 33 – 25 | Hartpury |
| Blues |
| Goldington Road Attendance: 0[a] Referee: Simon Harding |
| 13 March 2021 13:30 |
| (1 BP) Saracens | 45 – 13 | Jersey Reds |
| Saracens |
| StoneX Stadium Attendance: 0[a] Referee: Jack Makepeace |
| 13 March 2021 14:00 |
| Richmond | 7 – 27 | Cornish Pirates (1 BP) |
| Richmond |
| Athletic Ground Attendance: 0[a] Referee: George Selwood |
| 13 March 2021 15:00 |
| (1 BP) Ealing Trailfinders | 54 – 6 | Ampthill |
| Trailfinders |
| Trailfinders Sports Ground Attendance: 0[a] Referee: Dean Richards |
| Bye/s: Nottingham |
Round 3 edit
| Bye/s: Saracens |
Round 4 edit
| 28 March 2021 15:00 |
| (1 BP) Ealing Trailfinders | 75 – 19 | Hartpury |
| Trailfinders |
| Trailfinders Sports Ground Attendance: 0[a] |
| Bye/s: Ampthill |
Round 5 edit
| 10 April 2021 13:30 |
| Cornish Pirates | 10 – 38 | Ealing Trailfinders (1 BP) |
| Trailfinders |
| Mennaye Field Attendance: 0[a] |
| Bye/s: Richmond |
Round 6 edit
| 17 April 2021 12:30 |
| Nottingham | 22 – 33 | Cornish Pirates (1 BP) |
| Pirates |
| Lady Bay Sports Ground Attendance: 0[b] |
| 17 April 2021 13:00 |
| (1 BP) Ealing Trailfinders | 64 – 17 | Jersey Reds |
| Trailfinders |
| Trailfinders Sports Ground Attendance: 0[b] |
| Bye/s: Coventry |
Round 7 edit
| 24 April 2021 15:00 |
| (1 BP) Jersey Reds | 55 – 12 | Nottingham |
| Reds |
| Stade Santander International Attendance: 1,031[c] |
| 25 April 2021 15:00 |
| (1 BP) Saracens | 48 – 20 | Ealing Trailfinders |
| Trailfinders |
| StoneX Stadium Attendance: 0[b] |
| Bye/s: Bedford Blues |
Round 8 edit
| 1 May 2021 15:30 |
| (1 BP) Ealing Trailfinders | 69 – 7 | Richmond |
| Trailfinders |
| Trailfinders Sports Ground Attendance: 0[b] |
| Bye/s: Hartpury |
Round 9 edit
| 14 May 2021 19:45 |
| Bedford Blues | 17 – 40 | Ealing Trailfinders (1 BP) |
| Trailfinders |
| Goldington Road Attendance: 0[b] |
| 15 May 2021 15:00 |
| Jersey Reds | 10 – 34 | Coventry (1 BP) |
| Reds |
| Stade Santander International Attendance: 1,157[c] |
| Bye/s: Doncaster Knights |
Round 10 edit
| 22 May 2021 15:00 |
| (1 BP) Ealing Trailfinders | 38 – 15 | Doncaster Knights |
| Trailfinders |
| Trailfinders Sports Ground Attendance: [d] |
| 23 May 2021 13:00 |
| Nottingham | 22 – 20 | Bedford Blues (1 BP) |
| Nottingham |
| Lady Bay Sports Ground Attendance: [d] |
| Bye/s: Cornish Pirates |
Round 11 edit
| 29 May 2021 15:00 |
| (1 BP) Jersey Reds | 32 – 31 | Cornish Pirates (2 BP) |
| Reds |
| Stade Santander International Attendance: [c] |
| Bye/s: Ealing Trailfinders |
Final edit
The top two teams took part in a two-legged final to determine the champion. The top ranked team at the end of the league season chose which leg they play at home. The matches were played on 13 and 20 June 2021. Subject to meeting the minimum criteria, the champion would be promoted to Premiership Rugby. On 22 May, both Ealing Trailfinders and Saracens qualified for the final. The final was confirmed on 3 June, with Ealing Trailfinders playing the first leg at home.
In June 2021, it was confirmed that only Saracens were eligible for promotion, as Ealing Trailfinders did not meet an RFU deadline, despite having a groundshare in place. Trailfinders intended to appeal the decision, as they claim they were not given adequate information from the league.[17]
With an aggregate score of 117–15, Saracens won the final to take their first second-tier title since 1995 and earn promotion to the Premiership.[18]
First leg edit
| 13 June 2021 16:30 |
| Ealing Trailfinders | 0 – 60 | Saracens |
| Report | Try: Itoje 11' c Davies 24' c George 40' c B. Vunipola (2) 43' c, 54' c Penalty try 64' Tompkins 73' c Maitland 79' m Con: Farrell (6/7) 12', 25', 40+1', 44', 55', 74' Pen: Farrell (2/3) 5', 33' |
| Trailfinders Sports Ground Referee: Wayne Barnes (RFU) |
Second leg edit
| 20 June 2021 15:30 |
| Saracens | 57 – 15 | Ealing Trailfinders |
| Try: Mak. Vunipola 35' c Daly 42' c Koch 46' c George 52' c Tompkins 56' m Lewington 64' c Penalty try 72' Whiteley 77' c Con: Farrell (4/4) 37', 42', 47', 53' Man. Vunipola (2/3) 66', 78' Pen: Farrell (1/1) 7' | Report | Try: Penalty try 1' Burns 80' m Pen: Willis (1/1) 26' |
| StoneX Stadium Attendance: 2,000 Referee: Luke Pearce (RFU) |
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Leading scorers edit
Note: Flags to the left of player names indicate national team as has been defined under World Rugby eligibility rules, or primary nationality for players who have not yet earned international senior caps. Players may hold one or more non-WR nationalities.
Most points edit
Source:[19]
|
Most tries edit
Source:[19]
|
Notes edit
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y Match played behind closed doors due to local restrictions surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q Match played behind closed doors due to national restrictions surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.
- ^ a b c Spectators limited due to island restrictions surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Capacity limited to 25% due to national restrictions surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.
- ^ Hartpury University have returned a number of positive COVID-19 tests and are therefore unable to field a side. No team received any match points.[16]
References edit
- ^ "Greene King IPA extends RFU partnership". SportsPro Media. Retrieved 2019-05-24.
- ^ "RFU Council votes in favour of no Premiership relegation". England Rugby. Retrieved 20 February 2021.
- ^ a b "Greene King IPA Championship fixtures confirmed for upcoming season". Greene King Championship. Retrieved 20 February 2021.
- ^ a b "Update on RFU Funding of Greene King IPA Championship". Rugby Football Union. Retrieved 2020-02-11.
- ^ "Update on RFU Funding of Greene King IPA Championship". Rugby Football Union. Retrieved 2020-02-23.
- ^ "RFU funding cut update". London Scottish Rugby. 2020-02-28. Retrieved 2020-06-22.
- ^ "PLANNING FOR NEXT SEASON". Nottingham Rugby. 2020-04-17. Retrieved 2020-06-22.
- ^ "Saracens relegated from Premiership at end of 2019–20 season for salary cap breaches". 19 January 2020. Retrieved 19 January 2020.
- ^ "Mark Lavery on ITV News - Mon 1st Feb 2021". Ampthill Rugby. 1 February 2021. Retrieved 2 February 2021.
- ^ "ARUFC Participation Statement - 2021 Greene King IPA Championship Season". Ampthill Rugby. 5 February 2021. Retrieved 5 February 2021.
- ^ "London Scottish decline DCMS loans to play 1st XV". London Scottish Rugby. 2 February 2021. Retrieved 2 February 2021.
- ^ "Saracens to take part in Trailfinders Challenge Cup". Saracens. 2021-01-07. Retrieved 2021-01-07.
- ^ "Ealing Trailfinders Crowned Trailfinders Challenge Cup Champions". www.ealingtrailfinders.com. Archived from the original on 2021-02-14. Retrieved 2021-02-14.
- ^ "Cancelled: Doncaster Knights vs Saracens Men". Saracens. 2021-01-21. Retrieved 2021-01-21.
- ^ "Reds set to take their place as Championship confirms start date for new season". Jersey Reds. Retrieved 2021-02-11.
- ^ "Saracens v Hartpury University Decision". www.championshiprugby.co.uk. Archived from the original on 2021-05-31. Retrieved 2021-06-02.
- ^ "Ealing dispute RFU ruling on failure to meet Premiership stadium criteria". The Guardian. 2021-06-12. Retrieved 2021-06-13.
- ^ "Saracens 57-15 Ealing: Players 'showed faith in club', says Mark McCall as Sarries promoted back to Premiership". BBC Sport. 2021-06-20. Retrieved 2021-06-20.
- ^ a b "England Championship - Player stats". It's Rugby. Retrieved 20 June 2021.