The second tier of English rugby will expand from 12 to 14 clubs next season, with the Rugby Football Union opening a tender process and welcoming expressions of interest by Sunday, 13 October.

Wasps and Worcester are now owned by businessman Chris Holland, while Daniel Loitz, the director and main investor of Hokulani Limited, says he is in talks to resurrect London Irish.

However, there are various hurdles to overcome before any of the clubs are re-established in professional rugby, with all rugby creditors needing to be paid in full.

"The main criteria is that they need to pay off their rugby creditors, and that includes people like the players who were massively affected," added Massie-Taylor.

"So that is important to the RFU, along with a load of other standards. But a competitive second tier makes the Premiership more competitive, and we are really supportive of that.

"I am also encouraged by the fact investors are looking to invest in rugby clubs and we have helped with that in allowing an easier transition for clubs to move into the Premiership."

New RFU rules give Championship clubs an extra year to ramp up their stadium capacity. Promoted clubs now have until their fourth season in the Premiership to have the ability to stage matches in front of 10,000 spectators., external