Rotherham wait on promotion decision

Rotherham are unlikely to discover until next week whether or not they have secured Zurich Premiership status.

The National League One champions are still waiting for their promotion to be sanctioned following last night’s English Rugby Limited board meeting.

But the Yorkshire club tonight continued to adopt a philosophical stance after their plight caused a split between Twickenham top brass and Premiership chiefs.

“We are quite optimistic – we believe that we have done things right,” said Rotherham chief executive Jim Kilfoyle.

“We were a little surprised by events last night, but we’re reasonably upbeat and are now waiting to hear.”

Rotherham have been left in limbo since clinching the National League One title almost three weeks ago.

A decision had been confidently expected last night following a three-and-a-half-hour meeting of ERL, the joint Rugby Football Union/Premier Rugby organisation.

But although the RFU contingent on ERL believe Rotherham’s promotion should be ratified immediately, the five-strong Premier Rugby group have requested more information. As a result, the vote was deadlocked at five-five.

Rotherham and all their second division title rivals had to meet strict entry criteria in the quest for top-flight English status, including undergoing detailed financial audits.

An independent audit report on Rotherham was discussed by ERL, but Premier Rugby’s contingent wanted further information and “clarity” in relation to the primacy of tenancy issue.

This relates to Rotherham’s current ground-sharing agreement with the town’s football club, Rotherham United, at Millmoor.

Leicester, meanwhile, today issued a statement clarifying their position because Tigers chief executive Peter Wheeler is a Premier Rugby representative on the ERL board.

“Peter Wheeler is a Premier Rugby representative on the board of England Rugby Limited, and therefore votes according to the mandate of Premier Rugby,” said a club spokesman.

“In a debate such as this, he is not acting in a personal capacity or on behalf of Leicester Tigers.

“The view of this club, and indeed Premier Rugby as a whole, is that the National League One champions should be promoted to the Zurich Premiership, subject to them meeting the required criteria.

“This they appear to have done, and when that has been verified, we believe Rotherham’s promotion to the Zurich Premiership will be confirmed for the 2003/2004 season.”