DONCASTER Knights will kick-off their Greene King IPA Championship campaign at Ampthill and later host former European champions Saracens after the competition was yet again rejigged, this time due to London Scottish’s withdrawal.

When the Championship’s truncated 2020/21 plans were initially announced in December, the dozen clubs were split into two conferences, each team playing home and away to produce ten competition rounds.

The winner of each league would then move to a two-legged play-off final to determine who would be promoted to the Gallagher Premiership for 2021/22.

However, since then, a number of clubs – including Ampthill –have aired concerns about being able to afford to take their place in the Championship given ongoing financial implications of Covid and RFU cuts to funding.

Many have been awaiting loan assurances from Government as part of the Winter Sports Survival Package. The Championship, though, says 11 clubs have now ‘elected to invest in Covid testing under the elite sport guidance framework’ and the season will start as planned on March 6.

Scottish ‘felt unable to participate this season’ – rejecting the loan, they will return in 2021/22 – meaning the league’s previous format was untenable. Instead, teams will now play each other home or away producing 10 competitive matches over 11 rounds.

This will be followed by a two-leg play-off final between the top-two placed teams to decide on that promotion spot for the victor provided they meet the current minimum standards criteria.

Doncaster were initially in a conference with Ealing Trailfinders, Coventry, Nottingham, Bedford Blues plus newly-promoted Richmond, meaning they missed out on the chance to face giants Saracens, relegated following their salary cap scandal.

Back to it: Doncaster Knights will travel to Ampthill for their first match of the new Championship season on March 6. Picture Tony Johnson

However, Steve Boden’s squad will now face Sarries and have the bonus of doing so at Castle Park, penned in for April 21.

The South Yorkshire club will hope there may be scope to have fans in their ground by that point although that remains to be seen.

Doncaster’s first home game is scheduled to be Coventry on March 13 before they head to Hartpury a week later and host Cornish Pirates on March 27.

As a result of Scottish’s absence, there will be one bye week per team and three reserve weekends (3/4 April, 8/9 May and 5/6 June) during the season.

At the helm: Doncaster Knights head coach Steve Boden. Picture Tony Johnson

Support The Yorkshire Post and become a subscriber today. Your subscription will help us to continue to bring quality news to the people of Yorkshire. In return, you’ll see fewer ads on site, get free access to our app and receive exclusive members-only offers. Click HERE to subscribe.

Doncaster Knights will play fallen giants Saracens after all as Championship re-jigged