WORCESTER and Rotherham rugby clubs could mount a legal challenge that could see both promoted into the sports top division.
They are contesting the decision to reduce the number of teams in Premiership One from 14 to 12 clubs because they say it contravenes the Mayfair Agreement - signed last year by the 28 clubs in the top two divisions in a bid to end the in-fighting in the game.
The reduction follows the merger of London Irish, London Scottish and Richmond which was sanctioned by the RFU last week.
Worcester and Rotherham joined forces following a meeting of English Second Division Rugby at Sixways yesterday. They hope that by finishing second and third in Division Two they would then be allowed to fill the extra places.
"We've drawn up a contractual agreement and there are three options available," said Rotherham chief executive Mike Yarlett.
"You can change that by negotiation, which we haven't had, compensation, which we haven't had, or enforcement which would be a legal challenge
"So we're going back to the English Rugby Partnership and asking what's happening? We can't keep having change after change after change, rugby is the laughing stock of the sporting world."
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