RFU plans England's second pro tier

The Rugby Football Union have proposed a fully professional 12-team Championship to replace National Division One from next season.

The Rugby Football Union have proposed a fully professional 12-team Championship to replace National Division One from next season.

After a year of negotiations with First Division Rugby – the body for second-tier clubs – the RFU Council is set to discuss the issue at Friday's meeting, when a final decision on the proposal could be made.

If the plan is ratified the top 12 sides in Division One this season will get the opportunity to become founder members of the Championship, with participation granted only to those clubs willing to go professional.

If any of those 12 clubs decide not to, their place will be offered to the next highest-ranked side in the league.