Following extensive meetings which involved all of the Northern clubs at Level 4, the composition of National Two has been finalised for next season.
Macclesfield have confirmed that they will not compete in National Two West and will therefore compete in Regional 1 North West.
Lymm have confirmed that they will compete in National Two West next season.
As a result, Loughborough Students will be allocated to National Two West to maintain a 14-team league structure.
In Regional 1, Burton have agreed to transfer to Regional 1 Midlands, allowing Macclesfield to be accommodated within Regional 1 North West.
The decision to originally allocate Macclesfield and Lymm into National Two West was based on identifying the furthest afield club geographically in each region and then assessing mileage calculations against them.
‘Lowest total mileage calculations’ were used to arrive at the final recommended league allocations.
The RFU’s Adult Competition Sub-Committee approved the approach, and the league structure was approved through RFU Governance.
The last 10 days have involved lengthy discussions between all parties involved, but the composition of National Two for the forthcoming season has now been decided.
National League Rugby Chairman John Inverdale said: “It is extremely sad that Macclesfield have made the decision they have, but we understand their reasons.
“Playing in the National Leagues is prestigious and aspirational, but ultimately an expensive operation. It’s hoped this hugely complex and long drawn-out debate can lead to a rethink on how Level 4 and below is configured in the future.”
