Welsh woes boost Falcons

Newcastle Falcons have avoided relegation and will compete in the Premiership 2012/2013 as London Welsh failed to meet requirements.

London Welsh were the only club who could have won promotion to the Aviva Premiership but the Rugby Football Union's Board of Directors have revealed they have failed to meet the Minimum Standards Criteria (MSC). Independent auditors identified a number of failures, with the key issue seemingly not having Primacy of Tenure at their nominated ground. The RFU agreed with the auditors' findings and decided that if London Welsh win the RFU Championship final against Cornish Pirates they will not be eligible for promotion. Cornish Pirates are also ineligible for promotion as they chose not to have an independent audit of the Mennaye Field. London Welsh have the right to appeal within 14 days of the decision.