Newcastle Falcons have announced that they will not appeal against the Rugby Football Union's ruling to relegate the club to the Championship.

The club were originally expected to remain in the Premiership, despite finishing bottom of the league, following London Welsh's failure to meet top flight requirements after winning their Championship playoff.

While they were expected to be denied entry, a panel has decided to promote London Welsh, which has forced Newcastle down to the lower tier.

A statement on Newcastle's website reads: "Newcastle Falcons confirm there will be no appeal of the decision made by the independent panel to uphold London Welsh's appeal and relegate the Falcons to the Championship.

"We are now looking forward to an exciting new era under the guidance of incoming director of rugby Dean Richards.

"Richards's first league game in charge will be Bristol on the weekend of Saturday 1 September with the first home game of the campaign against Doncaster Knights on Friday 14 September."

Cornish Pirates also failed to meet Premiership requirements.