Rotherham made to wait again over promotion

Rotherham's official accession to the Zurich Premiership has been put on hold for a couple of days as England Rugby officials have requested more information from the National League One winners.

The Yorkshire club were controversially denied promotion last season because their ground failed to meet the required standards, but have finished top of the table again in this campaign.

A board meeting of England Rugby Ltd yesterday received an independent auditors' report in respect of Rotherham. Certain aspects were identified by the board for which further information was required.

"It is anticipated that the further information and clarification will have been received within the next 48 hours, at which time the board's decision in respect of promotion from National Division One will be made," said a statement from England Rugby.

Jim Kilfoyle, the Rotherham chairman, claimed he was not overly concerned, as he believed the delay was just an administrative issue. "They need a letter from our auditors which they haven't needed before showing that our wages are inside the wage cap – and believe me we are inside the wage cap," Kilfoyle said. "We've done everything they have asked."

The issue of who would replace Rotherham in National League One – if anyone – is even less clear given the situation surrounding Bath, currently bottom of the Zurich Premiership table, and Bristol, who are also in relegation trouble. If either finish bottom and the planned merger between the two sides goes ahead the likelihood is that no one will go down.

Nevertheless the Shoguns' coach, Peter Thorburn, yesterday reiterated his sadness at the prospect of either club being swallowed up. "We have got some wonderfully passionate supporters. The emotive thing for me is the average Bristol fan in his mid-40s, who brings his sons to the games and, in turn, was brought to the matches by his father. For these people, who have been lifelong Bristol supporters, it's part of their life and they support it with a passion."

Either way, the relegation issue will be resolved this weekend when Bath entertain Newcastle, who secured their own safety at the weekend, while Bristol visit London Irish in their final match of the league season.