ENGLAND'S top rugby clubs have been reported to the Office of Fair Trading in the latest twist in the on-going promotion row.

Following a board meeting of the 14 English Second Division clubs (ESDR) last night, including Worcester, the company have decided to reject the Rugby Football Union's offer and prepare an application to the OFT.

The RFU had offered the second division clubs (in National League Division One) a 10-year deal of £3 million a year but only the chance of promotion if one Premiership side finished bottom of the league in two consecutive seasons.

However, the deal was rejected and the ESDR now feel the only option is through the OFT.

Company secretary Mike Bidgood said: "We are confident things will move quickly and we can have a resolution to this problem. The ESDR are seeking confirmation from the RFU that the Leicester Agreement prevails with one automatic promotion and one play-off at the end of this 2000-2001 season.

"The ESDR are to submit an application to the Office of Fair Trading for a ruling on the promotion/relegation -- and financial restrictions imposed by the English First Division clubs."

The Second Division clubs had believed the RFU supported their case but were shocked on Monday night when the RFU offered this new deal.

Bidgood added: "We already get £3 million a year and the offer of the possibility of promotion if a club finishes bottom in consecutively is frankly unacceptable.

"All we want is a fair deal. Rugby is not just about the First Division clubs, it is about the other thousands of clubs around the country."