Saracens on their way to tackle Doncaster Knights

There was some disappointment at the South Yorkshire club last month when the Championship was split into two conferences for 2020-21 and former European champions Sarries – relegated from the Premiership after their salary cap scandal – were not placed in their group. However, Ealing Trailfinders, Saracens and Doncaster will now all take part in a pre-season six-week round-robin tournament – the Trailfinders Challenge Cup – starting on Saturday, January 16.

Doncaster host Saracens – who boast England captain Owen Farrell and British Lion Maro Itoje – a week later and Ealing on Saturday, January 30.

It is a huge boost, especially for Knights and Ealing who have not seen any action since March due to Covid-19. Knights director of rugby Steve Boden, whose squad have been training for seven weeks, said: “We are really excited to be playing rugby again and especially looking forward to testing ourselves against such high-quality opposition.”

Ealing have covered tournament costs and all games will be streamed live.

Fixtures (3pm unless stated): Jan 16 Ealing v Saracens; Jan 23 Doncaster v Saracens; Jan 30; Doncaster v Ealing; Feb 6 Saracens v Ealing (1pm); Feb 13 Saracens v Doncaster (4.30pm); Feb 20 Ealing v Doncaster.