CECIL Duckworth has committed himself to another shot at promotion after the Rugby Football Union agreed in principle to automatic promotion.

Worcester Rugby Club's multi-millionaire chairman has been undecided on next season's level of investment following the Sixways club's failure to reach the top flight.

However, with the RFU ready to give the green light to automatic promotion for the winners of National One next season, Duckworth will give coaches John Brain and Andy Keast the nod to begin recruiting for the forthcoming campaign.

Worcester's players and coaches have been left in limbo since the April 12 defeat against Rotherham, waiting to see just what they would be playing for next season. However, with the RFU seemingly happy with the present status of automatic promotion and relegation, Duckworth will once again plough in the same amount of funding he has in the past and keep Worcester a competitive, full-time outfit.

The news will come as a massive boost to the coaches who can now start planning ahead as they bid to keep the core of the present squad together and add to it with a number of new signings.

"I'm absolutely delighted that the RFU are viewing it in this way," said Duckworth. "It is very welcome news but really, I can't believe they would want it any other way.

"There's a lot of goodwill at the RFU at present in regard to National Division One clubs. I think promotion and relegation has enhanced the Premiership this season, there's no doubt about that.

"I said I wouldn't carry on with the same level of funding if there wasn't automatic promotion and relegation on the table and I wouldn't.

"However, if there is automatic promotion then I am fully committed to keeping Worcester competitive and going for promotion again. We will be working now to keep the core of the squad together and adding to it."

An RFU working party into promotion and relegation have a June 30 deadline to present their findings for the next six seasons. And although nothing official has been announced, I understand the RFU are leaning towards maintaining the status quo rather than opting for a play-off system.

"We cannot possibly go down a route which is seen as protection for investors," said RFU chief executive Francis Baron. "We have to get the rugby decision right. We are not going to agree to a solution which in effect is ring-fencing.

"Our job is to create the right environment for investment. We cannot create some sort of safety net for people who get it wrong. We cannot underwrite poor management and poor performance."