Newcastle Falcons have been saved from relegation from the Aviva Premiership after London Welsh were told that they wouldn't be promoted even if they won their Championship playoff final.
The Premiership has certain entry requirements that London Welsh and opponents Cornish Pirates have failed to meet, meaning that neither team can be promoted.
This means that, despite Newcastle finishing bottom of the league, they will not be relegated into the RFU Championship.
A statement from the RFU read: "The independent auditors identified various failures, including not having Primacy of Tenure at their nominated ground. This states that a club must demonstrate that they can host home fixtures at the time stipulated by Premiership Rugby and/or the host broadcaster.
"The RFU board ratified the findings and agreed, should London Welsh win the RFU Championship final following the second leg on May 30, they would not be eligible for promotion and Newcastle Falcons would remain in the Aviva Premiership."
London Welsh have the right to appeal the decision, while the Pirates decided not to undergo the independent audit required for promotion.
