2020–21 RFU Championship

Countries|  England
Jersey
Date| 6 March 2021 — 20 June 2021
Champions| Saracens (3rd title)
Runners-up| Ealing Trailfinders
Matches played| 56
Attendance| 4,188
(average 75 per match)
Highest attendance| 2,000
Saracens vs Ampthill
17 May 2021
Tries scored| 430
(average 7.7 per match)
Top point scorer|  Owen Farrell
(Saracens)
102 points
Top try scorer|  Rayn Smid
(Ealing Trailfinders)
9 tries

<- 2019-20

2021-22 ->

The 2020–21 RFU Championship, also known as the 2020–21 Greene King IPA Championship for sponsorship reasons, was the twelfth season of the RFU Championship, the professional second tier of rugby union in England. It featured ten English teams and one from Jersey. The competition was sponsored by Greene King for the eighth successive season.[1] Due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom, this season featured a truncated timeframe of just 16 weeks with a later start and fewer rounds.

## Structure[edit]

In a change from previous years, the eleven teams played each of the other teams once only, either home or away, to produce a ten-round season. The top two teams played each other in a two-legged play-off, with the winner promoted to the Premiership, if eligible. Due to the cancellation of the National League 1, there was no relegation.[2] The season began on 6 March 2021, and the final round of matches were played in May 2021.[3] Each team received one bye week, and there were three reserve weekends during the season.

## RFU funding change[edit]

Each club received approximately £375,000 in funding from the RFU in a phased return to the level of funding provided prior to 2016–17 season.[4][5] Following news of the funding change, several clubs announced their intention to switch to a semi-professional business model.[6][7]

## Teams[edit]

Nine of the eleven teams played in last season's competition. Yorkshire Carnegie, later renamed Leeds Tykes, were relegated to National League 1 after finishing bottom of the 2019–20 RFU Championship. They were replaced by Richmond who were promoted from 2019–20 National League 1 after just one year away from the Championship. Newcastle Falcons were promoted back to Premiership Rugby at the first attempt.[4] They were replaced in the RFU Championship by Saracens, who were relegated after finishing bottom of the 2019–20 Premiership Rugby table.[8]

On 2 February 2021, Ampthill announced that due to funding cuts and the costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, they might not be able to take part in the season.[9] However, after a large donation, they were able to participate.[10]

London Scottish did not participate due to the costs associated with the pandemic.[11]

| Club  | Stadium  | Capacity  | Area  | Previous season

|
|
|
|

Ampthill | Dillingham Park  | 3,000  | Ampthill, Bedfordshire | 5th
Bedford Blues | Goldington Road | 5,000 (1,700 seats)[a] | Bedford, Bedfordshire | 8th
Cornish Pirates | Mennaye Field | 4,000 (2,200 seats)  | Penzance, Cornwall | 3rd
Coventry | Butts Park Arena | 4,000 (3,000 seats)  | Coventry, West Midlands | 4th
Doncaster Knights | Castle Park | 5,000 (1,650 seats)  | Doncaster, South Yorkshire | 10th
Ealing Trailfinders | Trailfinders Sports Ground | 4,000 (2,200 seats)  | West Ealing, London | 2nd
Hartpury University | ALPAS Arena  | 2,000  | Hartpury, Gloucestershire | 11th
Jersey Reds | Stade Santander International | 4,000  | Saint Peter, Jersey | 7th
Nottingham | Lady Bay Sports Ground  | 3,500  | Nottingham, Nottinghamshire | 6th
Richmond | Athletic Ground | 4,500 (1,000 seats)  | Richmond, London | Promoted from National League 1
Saracens | StoneX Stadium | 8,500  | Hendon, Greater London | Relegated from Premiership Rugby

London

Ampthill

Bedford

Cornish Pirates

Coventry

Doncaster

Hartpury

Jersey Reds

Nottingham

London teams:
Ealing
Richmond
Saracens

class=notpageimage|

Locations of the 2020–21 RFU Championship teams

Richmond

Saracens

Ealing

class=notpageimage|

Greater London RFU Championship teams

## Pre-season competition[edit]

Ahead of the season, Ealing, Doncaster and Saracens participated in the Trailfinders Challenge Cup, as a pre-season warm-up. It took place between the 16 January and 20 February as a round-robin tournament where teams played each other home and away.[12]

Ealing Trailfinders won the competition with one game remaining, they received a trophy and £20,000.[13]

### Table[edit]

Position  | Team  | Games  | Points  | Tries  | Bonus points  | Table points

|
|
|
|
|
|

Pld  | W  | D  | L  | PF  | PA  | PD  | TF  | TA  | Tries  | Losing
1 | Ealing Trailfinders (CH) | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 152 | 98 | +54 | 21 | 13 | 3 | 0 | 19
2 | Saracens | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 81 | 76 | +5 | 12 | 9 | 2 | 1 | 9*
3 | Doncaster Knights | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 56 | 115 | -59 | 7 | 18 | 1 | 0 | 5*
* Cancelled Fixture: Doncaster Knights 4pts; Saracens 2pts

### Fixtures[edit]

16 January 2021
15:00

Ealing Trailfinders| 27–26| Saracens (1 BP)

|
|

| Report|
Trailfinders Sports Ground
Attendance: 0
Referee: Jack Makepeace

23 January 2021
15:00

Doncaster Knights| Cancelled
0–0[14]| Saracens

|
|

| |
Castle Park

30 January 2021
15:00

(1 BP) Doncaster Knights| 26–46| Ealing Trailfinders (1 BP)

|
|

| Report|
Castle Park
Attendance: 0
Referee: Hamish Smales

6 February 2021
13:00

(1 BP) Saracens| 26–39| Ealing Trailfinders (1 BP)

|
|

| Report|
StoneX Stadium
Attendance: 0
Referee: Mike Hudson

13 February 2021
16:15

(1 BP) Saracens| 29–10| Doncaster Knights

|
|

| Report|
StoneX Stadium
Referee: Andrew Jackson

20 February 2021
15:00

(1 BP) Ealing Trailfinders| 40–20| Doncaster Knights

|
|

| Report|
Trailfinders Sports Ground

## Table[edit]

|  | 2020–21 RFU Championship Table |

* v
* t
* e

|
|

| Club  | Played  | Won  | Drawn  | Lost  | Points for  | Points against  | Diff  | Try bonus  | Losing bonus  | Points
1 | Ealing Trailfinders (RU) | 10 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 505 | 161 | +344 | 9 | 0 | 45
2 | Saracens (CH) | 9 | 8 | 0 | 1 | 444 | 101 | +343 | 8 | 0 | 40*
3 | Doncaster Knights | 10 | 8 | 0 | 2 | 236 | 225 | +11 | 4 | 0 | 36
4 | Cornish Pirates | 10 | 6 | 0 | 4 | 268 | 210 | +58 | 5 | 3 | 32
5 | Coventry | 10 | 6 | 0 | 4 | 252 | 282 | –30 | 5 | 1 | 30
6 | Jersey Reds | 10 | 5 | 0 | 5 | 256 | 284 | −28 | 4 | 0 | 24
7 | Ampthill | 10 | 4 | 0 | 6 | 217 | 325 | −108 | 4 | 2 | 22
8 | Bedford Blues | 10 | 3 | 0 | 7 | 213 | 268 | −55 | 2 | 3 | 17
9 | Hartpury | 9 | 2 | 0 | 7 | 228 | 360 | −132 | 3 | 1 | 12*
10 | Nottingham | 10 | 2 | 0 | 8 | 169 | 344 | −175 | 2 | 2 | 12
11 | Richmond | 10 | 1 | 0 | 9 | 138 | 366 | −228 | 0 | 0 | 4
* Cancelled Fixture: Saracens 0pts; Hartpury University 0pts

* If teams are level at any stage, tiebreakers are applied in the following order:

1. Number of matches won
2. Difference between points for and against
3. Total number of points for
4. Aggregate number of points scored in matches between tied teams
5. Number of matches won excluding the first match, then the second and so on until the tie is settled

Green background are the play-off places.
Updated: 31 May 2021
Source: "Greene King IPA Championship". England Rugby.

## Fixtures & Results[edit]

Fixtures for the season were announced by the RFU on 8 February 2021.[3] Jersey Reds played only 3 games at home, having switched with their opponents for their rounds 3 and 5 games based on travel concerns.[15]

### Round 1[edit]

6 March 2021
13:15

(1 BP) Hartpury| 38 – 15| Richmond

|
|

| Hartpury University|
ALPAS Arena
Attendance: 0[b]
Referee: Christophe Ridley

6 March 2021
15:00

Cornish Pirates| 25 – 17| Saracens

|
|

| Pirates|
Mennaye Field
Attendance: 0[b]
Referee: Sara Cox

6 March 2021
15:00

Coventry| 10 – 9| Bedford Blues (1 BP)

|
|

| Coventry|
Butts Park Arena
Attendance: 0[b]
Referee: Hamish Smales

7 March 2021
13:00

(1 BP) Ampthill| 17 – 19| Doncaster Knights

|
|

| Ampthill|
Dillingham Park
Attendance: 0[b]
Referee: Simon Harding

7 March 2021
13:00

Nottingham| 3 – 52| Ealing Trailfinders (1 BP)

|
|

| Trailfinders|
Lady Bar Sports Ground
Attendance: 0[b]
Referee: Jack Makepeace

Bye/s: Jersey Reds

* * *

### Round 2[edit]

12 March 2021
18:00

Doncaster Knights| 20 – 19| Coventry (1 BP)

|
|

| Knights|
Castle Park
Attendance: 0[b]
Referee: Hamish Smales

12 March 2021
19:45

Bedford Blues| 33 – 25| Hartpury

|
|

| Blues|
Goldington Road
Attendance: 0[b]
Referee: Simon Harding

13 March 2021
13:30

(1 BP) Saracens| 45 – 13| Jersey Reds

|
|

| Saracens|
StoneX Stadium
Attendance: 0[b]
Referee: Jack Makepeace

13 March 2021
14:00

Richmond| 7 – 27| Cornish Pirates (1 BP)

|
|

| Richmond|
Athletic Ground
Attendance: 0[b]
Referee: George Selwood

13 March 2021
15:00

(1 BP) Ealing Trailfinders| 54 – 6| Ampthill

|
|

| Trailfinders|
Trailfinders Sports Ground
Attendance: 0[b]
Referee: Dean Richards

Bye/s: Nottingham

* * *

### Round 3[edit]

19 March 2021
18:00

Coventry| 19 – 55| Ealing Trailfinders (1 BP)

|
|

| Coventry|
Butts Park Arena
Attendance: 0[b]

19 March 2021
19:30

Hartpury| 21 – 32| Doncaster Knights (1 BP)

|
|

| Knights|
ALPAS Arena
Attendance: 0[b]

20 March 2021
13:30

Richmond| 23 – 15| Jersey Reds

|
|

| Richmond|
Athletic Ground
Attendance: 0[b]

21 March 2021
12:30

(1 BP) Cornish Pirates| 27 – 12| Bedford Blues

|
|

| Pirates|
Mennaye Field
Attendance: 0[b]

21 March 2021
13:00

(1 BP) Ampthill| 31 – 15| Nottingham

|
|

| Ampthill|
Dillingham Park
Attendance: 0[b]

Bye/s: Saracens

* * *

### Round 4[edit]

27 March 2021
13:00

(1 BP) Bedford Blues| 20 – 25| Jersey Reds

|
|

| Blues|
Goldington Road
Attendance: 0[b]

27 March 2021
15:00

Doncaster Knights| 17 – 15| Cornish Pirates (1 BP)

|
|

| Knights|
Castle Park
Attendance: 0[b]

27 March 2021
17:45

Nottingham| 24 – 36| Coventry (1 BP)

|
|

| Nottingham|
Lady Bay Sports Ground
Attendance: 0[b]

28 March 2021
14:15

Richmond| 3 – 32| Saracens (1 BP)

|
|

| Richmond|
Athletic Ground
Attendance: 0[b]

28 March 2021
15:00

(1 BP) Ealing Trailfinders| 75 – 19| Hartpury

|
|

| Trailfinders|
Trailfinders Sports Ground
Attendance: 0[b]

Bye/s: Ampthill

* * *

### Round 5[edit]

10 April 2021
13:30

Cornish Pirates| 10 – 38| Ealing Trailfinders (1 BP)

|
|

| Trailfinders|
Mennaye Field
Attendance: 0[b]

10 April 2021
14:30

Doncaster Knights| 22 – 10| Jersey Reds

|
|

| Knights|
Castle Park
Attendance: 0[b]

10 April 2021
16:30

Hartpury| 15 – 13| Nottingham (1 BP)

|
|

| Hartpury|
ALPAS Arena
Attendance: 0[b]

11 April 2021
13:00

(1 BP) Saracens| 54 – 13| Bedford Blues

|
|

| Saracens|
StoneX Stadium
Attendance: 0[b]

11 April 2021
14:30

(1 BP) Coventry| 26 – 15| Ampthill

|
|

| Coventry|
Butts Park Arena
Attendance: 0[b]

Bye/s: Richmond

* * *

### Round 6[edit]

17 April 2021
12:30

Nottingham| 22 – 33| Cornish Pirates (1 BP)

|
|

| Pirates|
Lady Bay Sports Ground
Attendance: 0[c]

17 April 2021
13:00

(1 BP) Ealing Trailfinders| 64 – 17| Jersey Reds

|
|

| Trailfinders|
Trailfinders Sports Ground
Attendance: 0[c]

17 April 2021
16:15

(1 BP) Bedford Blues| 38 – 10| Richmond

|
|

| Blues|
Goldington Road
Attendance: 0[c]

18 April 2021
13:00

(1 BP) Ampthill| 43 – 41| Hartpury (2 BP)

|
|

| Ampthill|
Dillingham Park
Attendance: 0[c]

18 April 2021
15:00

Doncaster Knights| 15 – 50| Saracens (1 BP)

|
|

| Knights|
Castle Park
Attendance: 0[c]

Bye/s: Coventry

* * *

### Round 7[edit]

24 April 2021
13:00

Hartpury| 24 – 47| Coventry (1 BP)

|
|

| Hartpury|
ALPAS Arena
Attendance: 0[c]

24 April 2021
13:30

(1 BP) Cornish Pirates| 18 – 20| Ampthill

|
|

| Pirates|
Mennaye Field
Attendance: 0[c]

24 April 2021
15:00

(1 BP) Jersey Reds| 55 – 12| Nottingham

|
|

| Reds|
Stade Santander International
Attendance: 1,031[d]

24 April 2021
15:00

Richmond| 12 – 40| Doncaster Knights (1 BP)

|
|

| Richmond|
Athletic Ground
Attendance: 0[c]

25 April 2021
15:00

(1 BP) Saracens| 48 – 20| Ealing Trailfinders

|
|

| Trailfinders|
StoneX Stadium
Attendance: 0[c]

Bye/s: Bedford Blues

* * *

### Round 8[edit]

1 May 2021
13:45

Ampthill| 14 – 29| Jersey Reds (1 BP)

|
|

| Ampthill|
Dillingham Park
Attendance: 0[c]

1 May 2021
15:00

Coventry| 19 – 30| Cornish Pirates

|
|

| Coventry|
Butts Park Arena
Attendance: 0[c]

1 May 2021
15:30

(1 BP) Ealing Trailfinders| 69 – 7| Richmond

|
|

| Trailfinders|
Trailfinders Sports Ground
Attendance: 0[c]

1 May 2021
17:30

Nottingham| 0 – 56| Saracens (1 BP)

|
|

| Saracens|
Lady Bay Sports Ground
Attendance: 0[c]

2 May 2021
13:00

(1 BP) Doncaster Knights| 27 – 19| Bedford Blues

|
|

| Knights|
Castle Park
Attendance: 0[c]

Bye/s: Hartpury

* * *

### Round 9[edit]

14 May 2021
19:45

Bedford Blues| 17 – 40| Ealing Trailfinders (1 BP)

|
|

| Trailfinders|
Goldington Road
Attendance: 0[c]

15 May 2021
15:00

Jersey Reds| 10 – 34| Coventry (1 BP)

|
|

| Reds|
Stade Santander International
Attendance: 1,157[d]

15 May 2021
15:00

Richmond| 17 – 34| Nottingham (1 BP)

|
|

| Richmond|
Athletic Ground
Attendance: 0[c]

15 May 2021
15:30

(1 BP) Cornish Pirates| 52 – 26| Hartpury (1 BP)

|
|

| Pirates|
Mennaye Field
Attendance: 0[c]

17 May 2021
19:30

(1 BP) Saracens| 69 – 12| Ampthill

|
|

| Saracens|
StoneX Stadium
Attendance: 2,000[e]

Bye/s: Doncaster Knights

* * *

### Round 10[edit]

22 May 2021
13:00

Hartpury| 19 – 50| Jersey Reds (1 BP)

|
|

| Hartpury|
ALPAS Arena
Attendance: [e]

22 May 2021
15:00

(1 BP) Ealing Trailfinders| 38 – 15| Doncaster Knights

|
|

| Trailfinders|
Trailfinders Sports Ground
Attendance: [e]

22 May 2021
17:00

Coventry| 0 – 73| Saracens (1 BP)

|
|

| Saracens|
Butts Park Arena
Attendance: [e]

23 May 2021
13:00

(1 BP) Ampthill| 31 – 22| Richmond

|
|

| Ampthill|
Dillingham Park
Attendance: [e]

23 May 2021
13:00

Nottingham| 22 – 20| Bedford Blues (1 BP)

|
|

| Nottingham|
Lady Bay Sports Ground
Attendance: [e]

Bye/s: Cornish Pirates

* * *

### Round 11[edit]

29 May 2021
14:00

Saracens| Cancelled
0 – 0[f]| Hartpury

|
|

| |
StoneX Stadium

29 May 2021
14:00

Richmond| 22 – 42| Coventry (1 BP)

|
|

| Richmond|
Athletic Ground
Attendance: [e]

29 May 2021
14:00

(1 BP) Bedford Blues| 32 – 28| Ampthill (2 BP)

|
|

| Blues|
Goldington Road
Attendance: [e]

29 May 2021
15:00

(1 BP) Jersey Reds| 32 – 31| Cornish Pirates (2 BP)

|
|

| Reds|
Stade Santander International
Attendance: [d]

29 May 2021
16:30

(1 BP) Doncaster Knights| 29 – 24| Nottingham (1 BP)

|
|

| |
Castle Park
Attendance: [e]

Bye/s: Ealing Trailfinders

## Final[edit]

The top two teams took part in a two-legged final to determine the champion. The top ranked team at the end of the league season chose which leg they play at home. The matches were played on 13 and 20 June 2021. Subject to meeting the minimum criteria, the champion would be promoted to Premiership Rugby. On 22 May, both Ealing Trailfinders and Saracens qualified for the final. The final was confirmed on 3 June, with Ealing Trailfinders playing the first leg at home.

In June 2021, it was confirmed that only Saracens were eligible for promotion, as Ealing Trailfinders did not meet an RFU deadline, despite having a groundshare in place. Trailfinders intended to appeal the decision, as they claim they were not given adequate information from the league.[17]

With an aggregate score of 117–15, Saracens won the final to take their first second-tier title since 1995 and earn promotion to the Premiership.[18]

### First leg[edit]

13 June 2021
16:30

Ealing Trailfinders| 0 – 60| Saracens

|
|

| Report| Try: Itoje 11' c
Davies 24' c
George 40' c
B. Vunipola (2) 43' c, 54' c
Penalty try 64'
Tompkins 73' c
Maitland 79' m
Con: Farrell (6/7) 12', 25', 40+1', 44', 55', 74'
Pen: Farrell (2/3) 5', 33'
Trailfinders Sports Ground
Referee: Wayne Barnes (RFU)

Team details

|  |  |

|

FB | 15 |  David Johnston
RW | 14 |  Dean Hammond
OC | 13 |  Max Bodilly
IC | 12 |  Matt Gordon
LW | 11 |  James Cordy-Redden |  47'
FH | 10 |  Craig Willis
SH | 9 |  Craig Hampson
N8 | 8 |  Rayn Smid (c)
OF | 7 |  Simon Uzokwe |  40'
BF | 6 |  Kieran Murphy
RL | 5 |  James Cannon
LL | 4 |  Bobby de Wee
TP | 3 |  Kyle Whyte |  36'
HK | 2 |  Shaun Malton
LP | 1 |  Will Davis |  40'
Substitutions:
HK | 16 |  Michael van Vuuren
PR | 17 |  James Gibbons |  40'
PR | 18 |  Lewis Thiede |  36'
LK | 19 |  Simon Linsell
FL | 20 |  Guy Thompson |  40' |  |  64' to 74'
SH | 21 |  Jordan Burns
FB | 22 |  Luke Daniels |  47'
FL | 23 |  Malon Al-Jiboori
Coach:
Ben Ward
|  |

|

FB | 15 |  Alex Goode |  76'
RW | 14 |  Alex Lewington
OC | 13 |  Elliot Daly |  62'
IC | 12 |  Nick Tompkins
LW | 11 |  Sean Maitland
FH | 10 |  Owen Farrell (c) |  76'
SH | 9 |  Aled Davies
N8 | 8 |  Billy Vunipola
OF | 7 |  Jackson Wray
BF | 6 |  Michael Rhodes |  49'
RL | 5 |  Tim Swinson |  66'
LL | 4 |  Maro Itoje
TP | 3 |  Vincent Koch |  60'
HK | 2 |  Jamie George |  62'
LP | 1 |  Mako Vunipola |  57'
Substitutions:
HK | 16 |  Tom Woolstencroft |  62'
PR | 17 |  Ralph Adams-Hale |  57'
PR | 18 |  Alec Clarey |  60'
LK | 19 |  Callum Hunter-Hill |  66'
FL | 20 |  Sean Reffell |  49'
SH | 21 |  Tom Whiteley |  76'
CE | 22 |  Duncan Taylor |  62'
WG | 23 |  Rotimi Segun |  76'
Coach:
Mark McCall

Man of the Match:
Tim Swinson (Saracens)

Assistant referees:
Paul Dix
Jamie Leahy
Television match official:
Stuart Terheege

### Second leg[edit]

20 June 2021
15:30

Saracens| 57 – 15| Ealing Trailfinders

|
|

Try: Mak. Vunipola 35' c
Daly 42' c
Koch 46' c
George 52' c
Tompkins 56' m
Lewington 64' c
Penalty try 72'
Whiteley 77' c
Con: Farrell (4/4) 37', 42', 47', 53'
Man. Vunipola (2/3) 66', 78'
Pen: Farrell (1/1) 7'| Report| Try: Penalty try 1'
Burns 80' m
Pen: Willis (1/1) 26'
StoneX Stadium
Attendance: 2,000
Referee: Luke Pearce (RFU)

Team details

|  |  |

|

FB | 15 |  Alex Goode
RW | 14 |  Alex Lewington
OC | 13 |  Elliot Daly |  |  54'
IC | 12 |  Nick Tompkins
LW | 11 |  Sean Maitland
FH | 10 |  Owen Farrell (c) |  |  54'
SH | 9 |  Aled Davies |  |  58'
N8 | 8 |  Billy Vunipola |  |  62'
OF | 7 |  Jackson Wray |  1' to 11'
BF | 6 |  Michael Rhodes |  51'
RL | 5 |  Tim Swinson
LL | 4 |  Maro Itoje |  |  54'
TP | 3 |  Vincent Koch |  |  54'
HK | 2 |  Jamie George |  |  54'
LP | 1 |  Mako Vunipola |  |  54'
Substitutions:
HK | 16 |  Tom Woolstencroft |  |  54'
PR | 17 |  Ralph Adams-Hale |  |  54'
PR | 18 |  Alec Clarey |  |  54'
LK | 19 |  Callum Hunter-Hill |  |  54'
FL | 20 |  Andy Christie |  |  62'
SH | 21 |  Tom Whiteley |  |  58'
FH | 22 |  Manu Vunipola |  |  54'
CE | 23 |  Duncan Taylor |  |  54'
Coach:
Mark McCall
|  |

|

FB | 15 |  David Johnston
RW | 14 |  Luke Daniels |  |  51'
OC | 13 |  Max Bodilly
IC | 12 |  Pat Howard |  |  62'
LW | 11 |  Angus Kernohan |  |  58'
FH | 10 |  Craig Willis
SH | 9 |  Craig Hampson
N8 | 8 |  Rayn Smid (c)
OF | 7 |  Guy Thompson
BF | 6 |  Malon Al-Jiboori
RL | 5 |  Harry Casson |  |  51'
LL | 4 |  Bobby de Wee
TP | 3 |  Elliot Millar-Mills |  |  54' |  |  |  |  72'
HK | 2 |  Shaun Malton |  |  54'
LP | 1 |  Kyle Whyte |  |  54'
Substitutions:
HK | 16 |  Michael van Vuuren |  |  54'
PR | 17 |  James Gibbons |  |  54'
PR | 18 |  Lewis Thiede |  72' to end' |  54'
LK | 19 |  Simon Linsell |  |  51'
FL | 20 |  Simon Uzokwe |  |  |  |  54' |  |  72'
SH | 21 |  Jordan Burns |  |  62'
FH | 22 |  Bill Johnston |  |  58'
FL | 23 |  Harry Dugmore |  |  51' |  |  54'
Coach:
Ben Ward

Man of the Match:
Jackson Wray (Saracens)

Assistant referees:
Matthew Carley
Karl Dickson
Television match official:
Claire Hodnett

## Leading scorers[edit]

Note: Flags to the left of player names indicate national team as has been defined under World Rugby eligibility rules, or primary nationality for players who have not yet earned international senior caps. Players may hold one or more non-WR nationalities.

### Most points[edit]

As of 20 June 2021

Source:[19]

| Rank  | Player  | Club  | Points

|
|
|

1 |  Owen Farrell | Saracens | 102
2 |  Brendan Cope | Jersey Reds | 84
3 |  Sam Olver | Doncaster Knights | 75
4 |  Tony Fenner | Coventry | 68
5 |  Craig Willis | Ealing Trailfinders | 63
6 |  Will Maisey | Bedford Blues | 54
Joshua Bragman | Hartpury University
8 |  Louis Grimoldby | Ampthill | 47
9 |  Rayn Smid | Ealing Trailfinders | 45
10 |  Alex Lewington | Saracens | 40

### Most tries[edit]

As of 20 June 2021

Source:[19]

| Rank  | Player  | Club  | Tries

|
|
|

1 |  Rayn Smid | Ealing Trailfinders | 9
2 |  Alex Lewington | Saracens | 8
3 |  Sean Maitland | Saracens | 7
Jordan Burns | Ealing Trailfinders
Dan Frost | Cornish Pirates
6 |  Nick Tompkins | Saracens | 6
Max Bodilly | Ealing Trailfinders
Tom Duncan | Cornish Pirates
Ben Foley | Hartpury University
10 | 6+ players tied | Various | 5

## Notes[edit]

1. ^ Goldington Road's capacity down from 6,000 to 5,000.
2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y Match played behind closed doors due to local restrictions surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.
3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q Match played behind closed doors due to national restrictions surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.
4. ^ a b c Spectators limited due to island restrictions surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.
5. ^ a b c d e f g h i Capacity limited to 25% due to national restrictions surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.
6. ^ Hartpury University have returned a number of positive COVID-19 tests and are therefore unable to field a side. No team received any match points.[16]

## References[edit]

1. ^ "Greene King IPA extends RFU partnership". SportsPro Media. Retrieved 2019-05-24.
2. ^ "RFU Council votes in favour of no Premiership relegation". England Rugby. Retrieved 20 February 2021.
3. ^ a b "Greene King IPA Championship fixtures confirmed for upcoming season". Greene King Championship. Retrieved 20 February 2021.
4. ^ a b "Update on RFU Funding of Greene King IPA Championship". Rugby Football Union. Retrieved 2020-02-11.
5. ^ "Update on RFU Funding of Greene King IPA Championship". Rugby Football Union. Retrieved 2020-02-23.
6. ^ "RFU funding cut update". London Scottish Rugby. 2020-02-28. Retrieved 2020-06-22.
7. ^ "PLANNING FOR NEXT SEASON". Nottingham Rugby. 2020-04-17. Retrieved 2020-06-22.
8. ^ "Saracens relegated from Premiership at end of 2019–20 season for salary cap breaches". 19 January 2020. Retrieved 19 January 2020.
9. ^ "Mark Lavery on ITV News - Mon 1st Feb 2021". Ampthill Rugby. 1 February 2021. Retrieved 2 February 2021.
10. ^ "ARUFC Participation Statement - 2021 Greene King IPA Championship Season". Ampthill Rugby. 5 February 2021. Retrieved 5 February 2021.
11. ^ "London Scottish decline DCMS loans to play 1st XV". London Scottish Rugby. 2 February 2021. Retrieved 2 February 2021.
12. ^ "Saracens to take part in Trailfinders Challenge Cup". Saracens. 2021-01-07. Retrieved 2021-01-07.
13. ^ "Ealing Trailfinders Crowned Trailfinders Challenge Cup Champions". www.ealingtrailfinders.com. Archived from the original on 2021-02-14. Retrieved 2021-02-14.
14. ^ "Cancelled: Doncaster Knights vs Saracens Men". Saracens. 2021-01-21. Retrieved 2021-01-21.
15. ^ "Reds set to take their place as Championship confirms start date for new season". Jersey Reds. Retrieved 2021-02-11.
16. ^ "Saracens v Hartpury University Decision". www.championshiprugby.co.uk. Archived from the original on 2021-05-31. Retrieved 2021-06-02.
17. ^ "Ealing dispute RFU ruling on failure to meet Premiership stadium criteria". The Guardian. 2021-06-12. Retrieved 2021-06-13.
18. ^ "Saracens 57-15 Ealing: Players 'showed faith in club', says Mark McCall as Sarries promoted back to Premiership". BBC Sport. 2021-06-20. Retrieved 2021-06-20.
19. ^ a b "England Championship - Player stats". It's Rugby. Retrieved 20 June 2021.

* v
* t
* e

RFU Championship

2023–24 teams|

* Ampthill
* Bedford Blues
* Caldy
* Cambridge
* Cornish Pirates
* Coventry
* Doncaster Knights
* Ealing Trailfinders
* Hartpury University
* London Scottish
* Nottingham

Former clubs|

* Birmingham-Solihull
* Blackheath
* Bracknell
* Bristol Bears
* Cornish All Blacks
* Esher
* Exeter Chiefs
* Fylde
* Gosforth
* Harlequins
* Henley
* Jersey Reds
* Liverpool St Helens
* London Irish
* London Welsh
* Manchester
* Morley
* Moseley
* Newbury
* Newcastle Falcons
* Northampton Saints
* Orrell
* Otley
* Plymouth Albion
* Richmond
* Rosslyn Park
* Rotherham Titans
* Rugby Lions
* Sale Sharks
* Saracens
* Sedgley Park
* Wakefield
* Waterloo
* West Hartlepool
* Worcester Warriors
* Yorkshire Carnegie

Seasons|

| National Division Two|

* 1987–88
* 1988–89
* 1989–90
* 1990–91
* 1991–92
* 1992–93
* 1993–94
* 1994–95
* 1995–96
* 1996–97

|

Premiership Two|

* 1997–98
* 1998–99
* 1999–00

National Division One|

* 2000–01
* 2001–02
* 2002–03
* 2003–04
* 2004–05
* 2005–06
* 2006–07
* 2007–08
* 2008–09

Championship|

* 2009–10
* 2010–11
* 2011–12
* 2012–13
* 2013–14
* 2014–15
* 2015–16
* 2016–17
* 2017–18
* 2018–19
* 2019–20
* 2020–21
* 2021–22
* 2022–23
* 2023–24

RFU Championship Cup|

* 2018–19
* 2019–20
* ~~2020–21~~
* 2021–22
* 2022–23

Premiership Rugby Cup|

* 2023–24

Representative team|

* RFU Championship XV

* v
* t
* e

RFU Championship Venues 2022–23

Current grounds|

* ALPAS Arena
* Athletic Ground, Richmond
* Butts Park Arena
* Castle Park
* Dillingham Park
* Goldington Road
* Lady Bay Sports Ground
* The Menaye
* Paton Field
* Stade Santander International
* Trailfinders Sports Ground

Previous grounds|

* Abbeydale Park
* Ashton Gate
* The Avenue
* Beacon Park (Plymouth)
* Billesley Common
* Bramley Sports Ground (Southgate)
* Brantingham Park (Hull Ionians R.U.F.C.)
* Brickfields
* Bridge Road (Headingley)
* Brierton Lane (Hartlepool)
* Bournbrook
* Clifton Lane
* College Grove
* Copthall Stadium
* Coundon Road
* County Ground (Exeter)
* Cross Green
* Damson Park
* Dry Leas
* Franklin's Gardens
* Grove Park
* Headingley
* Heywood Road
* Ireland Avenue
* Kassam Stadium
* Kingston Park
* Kenwyn
* Lily Hill Park
* Madejski Stadium
* Meadow Lane
* Memorial Stadium
* Molesey Road
* Moss Lane (St Helens)
* New Ground (Gosforth)
* Old Deer Park
* Priory Lane (Roehampton)
* Recreation Ground (Camborne)
* The Reddings
* Rectory Field
* St Anthony's Road (Blundellsands)
* Sandy Park
* Scatcherd Lane (Morley)
* Sharmans Cross
* Sixways Stadium
* The Sycamores (West Park Leeds RUFC)
* Twickenham Stoop
* Webb Ellis Road
* Wharfeside Avenue (Threshfield)

* v
* t
* e

Rugby union in England

Governing body|

* Rugby Football Union
* Rugby Football Union for Women (merged into the RFU)

National teams|

| Men's|

* England
* England A
* 7's
* U-21
* U-20
* U-18
* British & Irish Lions
* England Counties XV

|

Women's|

* Women's
* 7's

International competitions|

| Men's|

* World Cup
* Six Nations
* Rugby World Cup Sevens
* Sevens World Series
* Sevens Grand Prix Series
* Commonwealth Games

|

Women's|

* World Cup
* Six Nations
* World Series Sevens

Competition divisions|

| Men's|

* Premiership
* Championship
* National Leagues
* London and SE Division
* Northern Division
* Midland Division
* South West Division
* United Hospitals Cup

|

Women's|

* Premiership Women's Rugby

European competitions|

* European Rugby Champions Cup
* European Rugby Challenge Cup

National competitions|

* Premiership Rugby
* Premiership Cup
* RFU Championship
* Championship Cup
* National League 1
* National League 2 East
* National League 2 North
* National League 2 West
* RFU Intermediate Cup
* RFU Senior Vase
* RFU Junior Vase
* Premiership Rugby Sevens Series
* Women's Premiership
* Premier 15s

London and South East
competitions|

* Regional 1 South East
* Regional 1 South Central
* Regional 2 South Central
* Regional 2 South East
* Regional 2 Thames
* London 1 North
* London 2 North East
* London 2 North West
* London 2 South East
* London 2 South West
* London 3 North West
* London 3 South East
* London 3 South West
* London 3 Eastern Counties
* London 3 Essex
* Eastern Counties 1
* Eastern Counties 2
* Eastern Counties 3
* Essex 1
* Hampshire Premier
* Hampshire 1
* Hampshire Cups
* Herts/Middlesex 1
* Herts/Middlesex 2
* Hertfordshire Cups
* Middlesex Cups
* Kent 1
* Kent 2
* Kent Cups
* Surrey 1
* Counties 2 Surrey
* Counties 3 Surrey
* Counties 4 Surrey
* Counties 5 Surrey
* Surrey Cups
* Sussex 1
* Sussex Cups

Midland competitions|

* Regional 1 Midlands
* Regional 2 North Midlands
* Regional 2 West Midlands
* Regional 2 East Midlands
* Midlands 2 West (North)
* Midlands 2 West (South)
* Midlands 2 East (North)
* Midlands 2 East (South)
* Midlands 3 West (North)
* Midlands 3 West (South)
* Midlands 3 East (North)
* Midlands 3 East (South)
* Midlands 4 West (North)
* Midlands 4 West (South)
* Midlands 4 East (North)
* Midlands 4 East (South)
* Midlands 5 West (South)
* Leicestershire Cups
* North Midlands Cups
* Staffordshire Cups
* Warwickshire Cups

Northern competitions|

* Regional 1 North East
* Regional 1 North West
* Regional 2 North
* Regional 2 North East
* Regional 2 North West
* North 1 East
* North 1 West
* North 2 West
* Lancs/Cheshire 1
* Lancs/Cheshire 2
* Cheshire Cups
* Lancashire Cups
* Counties 1 Cumbria
* Cumbria Cups
* Counties 1 Durham & Northumberland
* Counties 2 Durham & Northumberland
* Counties 3 Durham & Northumberland
* Durham Cups
* Northumberland Cups
* Counties 1 Yorkshire
* Counties 2 Yorkshire
* Counties 3 Yorkshire
* Counties 4 Yorkshire
* Yorkshire Cups

South West competitions|

* Regional 1 South West
* Regional 2 Severn
* Regional 2 South West
* Counties 1 Southern North
* Counties 1 Southern South
* Counties 1 Western North
* Counties 1 Western West
* Counties 2 Cornwall
* Counties 3 Cornwall
* Cornwall Cups
* Counties 2 Devon
* Counties 3 Devon East
* Counties 3 Devon West
* Devon Cups
* Gloucester Premier
* Gloucester 1
* Gloucester 2 North
* Gloucester 2 South
* Gloucestershire Cups
* Somerset Premier
* Somerset 1
* Somerset 2 North
* Somerset 2 South
* Somerset 3 North
* Somerset 3 South
* Somerset Cups
* Berks/Bucks & Oxon Premier
* Oxfordshire Cups
* Dorset & Wilts 1 North
* Dorset & Wilts 1 South
* Dorset & Wilts 2 North
* Dorset & Wilts 2 South
* Dorset & Wilts 3 North

County competitions|

* Division 1
* Division 2
* Division 3

Discontinued competitions|

* Anglo-Welsh Cup
* Cornwall/Devon League
* Divisional Championship
* National League 2 South
* North Premier
* RFU Knockout Cup
* South West 1 East

Related articles|

* International players
* Clubs
* Churchill Cup
* Calcutta Cup
* Millennium Trophy
* Ella-Mobbs Trophy
* Hillary Shield

Other|

* English rugby union system
* Timeline of rugby union on UK television

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