THE war of words over relegation and promotion to rugby's elite escalated last night when English Second Division Rugby called for Rugby Football Union chairman Brian Baister to resign.

ESDR chairman and Worcester benefactor Cecil Duckworth stunned RFU officials last night with the demand just minutes before their roadshow was about to begin at Sixways.

RFU chief executive Francis Baron and president Budge Rogers OBE were at Worcester last night to unveil English rugby's new eight-year plan for the future.

They were questioned endlessly about promotion and relegation with, at one stage, Baron and Duckworth engaged in a heated debate.

Duckworth and ESDR, which in-cludes Worcester, have become increasingly frustrated with the RFU because, with just four games to go in National One, clubs still do not know what they are playing for.

However, Baron, speaking exclusively to the Evening News before the roadshow began, dismissed the request, labelling it ludicrous.

He said: "This is one of the most ludicrous things I have heard. Brian Baister is not even chairman of the RFU negotiating team who are trying to sort out this issue. Fran Cotton is the chairman. All decisions on this matter have been taken by the RFU Council and the management board.

"Why ESDR have chosen to put out this statement beggars belief really. I wish they would spend more time in attempting to obtain a solution rather than putting out statements which they do all too regularly.

"The RFU is keen to reach agreement with ESDR and EDFR and in order to do that you have to sit down and negotiate."

With a High Court hearing set for next week to decide the future of the game and English First Division Rugby meeting today to consider a breakaway from the RFU, ESDR feel it is time for a change at the top.

In a letter to Baister, Duckworth outlined just why the chairman should go.

Part of it read: "The ESDR board unanimously agreed to publicly request that you submit your resignation of the RFU. We have lost confidence in you and no longer believe you are genuinely willing to engage in any process that will lead to a satisfactory conclusion, incorporating our points of principle, which are well known to you."