WORCESTER Rugby Club's chief executive Geoff Cooke has launched a stinging attack on rugby's ruling bodies for blocking automatic promotion to the top-flight.

The former England manager said the English First Division Rugby is aiming to create a cosy ten-club elite and abandon the current pyramid.

Worcester have been pressing for a change to the rules of just one play-off spot ever since Rotherham's court case against EFDR last summer.

The judge ruled against Rotherham's calls for top flight rugby, but his decision also questioned the Mayfair Agreement's ruling of just one play-off place during the World Cup season.

The chairman of the RFU's management board, Brian Baister, also hinted the system might be changed when he visited Worcester in September to open the new south stand.

Last season Bristol went up by right while Rotherham also went into a play-off.

With Worcester currently heading Premiership Two they have a great chance of winning the title, but Worcester's lack of progress in having the rules discussed has boiled over into anger.

"It's disgraceful EFDR should be allowed to ignore the legitimate claims of the second division clubs for automatic promotion," said Cooke.

"EFDR were happy to accept the judge's ruling against Rotherham but now refuse to accept the consequences.

"They seem to be determined to create their own exclusive ten-club elite and some of them will cheerfully sacrifice clubs like Bedford and Sale in order to achieve their own selfish objectives.

"Just because some clubs currently enjoy first division status does not mean that they have a right to remain there. This all gives further credence to the view that senior RFU officers are puppets in the hands of one or two wealthy and influential club owners."