WORCESTER Rugby Club will once again have the chance to reach the Premiership after promotion for the National One champions was rubber stamped.

A panel from Premier Rugby, three from First Division Rugby and one from the RFU has been reviewing promotion and relegation and the decision was made, by four votes to three, that automatic promotion and relegation, on a one-up one-down basis should continue.

RFU Chief Executive, Francis Baron, said: "It has, unfortunately, not been possible to reach agreement between PRL and FDR on the promotion and relegation arrangements going forward. As a result I had to use my casting vote."

"We're delighted with the decision," added Worcester's director of rugby John Brain.

"I think everyone, outside of the Premiership, is delighted because it is necessary for any sport to have ambition. You can't have a closed shop at the top because it would shut off ambition.

"We believe that this lasts for a period of four years so that is very encouraging."