Scottish Rugby adult leagues hit milestone threshold for promotion and relegation

2 Feb 2022

Following the weekend of 29 and 30 January, all three adult league structures of Scottish Rugby’s domestic competitions reached the necessary completion threshold to validate promotion and relegation for the 2021/22 season.

Details agreed in June 2021 by the Scottish Rugby Board and Council following consultation with the Championship Committee and Scottish Rugby’s member clubs, saw an amendment included into the National Competition Rules (NCR) for the 2021/22 season which stated that providing at least 65 percent of a league structure’s fixtures have been resolved, promotion and relegation within that league structure will be applied.

‘Fixtures resolved’ refers to fixtures which have been subject to cancellation by means other than covid circumstances, and have been dealt with as they would have been in previous seasons under the applicable NCR.

Going into February, the Women’s Tennent’s leagues – which follows a condensed calendar of operation between September and February – have reached 93 percent completion, whilst the Men’s Tennent’s leagues have reached 69 percent. The Men’s Tennent’s Reserve leagues are now 77 percent complete.

As a result, Scottish Rugby has confirmed that promotion and relegation across all adult leagues will apply this season.

With the Women’s league season close to completion, attention will soon turn to the running of the Sarah Beany Cup competition, with dates and structure to be confirmed with participating clubs shortly.

The Competitions Committees and the Competitions Team at Scottish Rugby continue to review the viability of running a Men’s Sup season, but state that league fixtures will continue to be prioritised over Cup fixtures to retain the integrity of promotion and relegation within the leagues.

Scottish Rugby President Ian Barr said: “I am absolutely delighted that our leagues have reached the 65 percent resolution milestone for this season. The season so far has certainly not been without its challenges, and I know first-hand how much energy has gone in across the country by players and volunteers to safely deliver rugby over the last six months. To see that hard work result in a valid season is really pleasing.”

Head of Rugby Development, Gav Scott said: “I continue to reiterate my thanks on behalf of Scottish Rugby to all those involved in the grassroots game for helping the sport we all love to return as safely as possible throughout the pandemic. Without the support of our players and volunteers, we simply would not be in this positive position, and I share my best wishes for the remainder of the season.”