Away day openers for Yorkshire clubs must wait to be confirmed

Details were announced yesterday with Leeds Carnegie heading to Nottingham, Doncaster Knights at Plymouth Albion and – in a repeat of last season’s opener – Rotherham Titans venturing to London Scottish on September 1.

The first derby sees Leeds entertain Doncaster on October 6 before Knights make the short trip to Rotherham for a South Yorkshire showdown on October 6.

Rotherham also host Leeds on November 24 but there is, of course, still question marks hanging over all fixtures involving Championship winners London Welsh.

They are embroiled in a dispute with the RFU having been told they are not eligible for promotion to the Premiership after failing to achieve the minimum standards criteria for entry into the top flight.

Welsh – who defeated Cornish Pirates over a two-legged final to secure the title – had submitted plans to ground-share at the Kassam Stadium in Oxford and last week lodged an appeal against the RFU’s decision.

That means all their Championship fixtures announced yesterday have the caveat ‘to be confirmed’ attached as the process goes on.

If their appeal is successful. Newcastle Falcons would take their place in the lower tier after finishing bottom of the Premiership this season.

Big-spending Championship newcomers Jersey face 2011-12 runners-up Cornish in the opening round.

Doncaster have confirmed the capture of Plymouth Albion winger Tyson Lewis.

He spent last season there after spells with Basildon, Southend, Blackheath and a short stint with Newcastle Falcons.

Lewis, 27, caught the eye of the South Yorkshire club with his two-try match-winning performance against them last year.

Director of rugby Brett Davey said: “Tyson has shown he scores tries when he gets the opportunity and impressed against us in both the home and away tie.

“He more or less won the game for Plymouth at their place and he will bring a lot of pace and skill.

“I’d like to think we try to play a bit more rugby than most and that should give him greater opportunity to finish.”