English rugby's Champ era gets under way dogged by same old ups and downs

Rebranded second tier should be signalling a brave new world this weekend but uncertainty over promotion and relegation again clouds the picture

This weekend should, in theory, bring the gateway to a brave new world. The old Championship, the second tier of English club rugby, has morphed into "the Champ" and, at first glance, the brochure looks promising. A freshly rebranded league, Worcester back in business, a live streaming partner in Clubber TV, talented players raring to go. And for the champion team, insist the organisers, the ultimate prize of promotion to the Prem.

Just try to cling fondly to this blissed-out vision for a moment, particularly in the rose-tinted aftermath of a wonderful Women's Rugby World Cup. Because, sadly, it is in some danger of dissolving even before the RFU Council gathered on Friday to debate the Prem clubs' pursuit of a franchise-based model that would curtail relegation for the elite.