THE long running saga over relegation and promotion to the Zurich Premiership has finally been resolved.

English Second Division Rugby (ESDR) agreed yesterday to one automatic promotion place for the winners of National One for this season and next.

The terms, which have already been rubber stamped by the Rugby Football Union and English First Division Rugby (EFDR), were accepted by the 14 National One clubs -- including Worcester -- in a bid to end the eight month dispute.

It means that the two outstanding teams in the league below the Premiership - Worcester and Leeds Tykes - will go into their titanic clash on Sunday, safe in the knowledge that whoever wins will almost certainly go on to win promotion.

ESDR gave up a legal challenge and the fight for one automatic promotion slot and one play-off place because of fears over the cost of possible court costs.

The National One clubs were also concerned that the teams should know what they were playing for before the season ended.

ESDR chairman Cecil Duckworth said: "In principle the deal has been agreed and at present we are in the process of tying all the loose legal ends up.

"We have decided to accept one promotion place for this season and next and then a review for 2003.

"Obviously we have had to compromise but we felt we have still stuck to our principles because we have automatic promotion for the winners of National One this season and next.

"This is not an about turn by ESDR. We are now nearly in April and we don't know what the playing regulations are for this season. The teams need to know what they are playing for."

Worcester benefactor Duckworth was delighted that his side now know exactly what the prize is for victory over Leeds at Headingley on Sunday in the game of the season.

He added: "It is first class that we know what we are going for now. We haven't enjoyed all the uncertainty surrounding this season but hopefully now we can enjoy a fantastic finale.

"The announcement is certainly timely -- we have not wanted to fall out with the First Division clubs and I sincerely hope we can now move forward."