Stuart Lancaster expects to be consulted on proposed changes to Aviva Premiership

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England head coach Stuart Lancaster expects to be consulted about proposals to reform the Aviva Premiership by removing promotion and relegation - and believes such a move could have a profound impact on the national team.

As a former player and coach at Leeds, now in the Championship, Lancaster has that perspective, as well as views about what a ring-fenced top division would mean for the Test side. 

He believes that there could be far-reaching consequences if the Premiership is turned into a closed shop for 14 clubs, as being discussed.

Stuart Lancaster expects to be consulted on proposals to alter the Aviva Premiership

Lancaster is concerned about the impact such a move would have on the England Test side

‘I’m sure my opinion will be asked and I guess I’ve seen it from all ends,’ said Lancaster. ‘I can see it from a player development point of view. I’ve been at a club that has been promoted and relegated, and live within a county… So I understand how it feels.

‘As the national coach now, I know the implications it would have on the national team and the structure of rugby within this country. So I like to think I have a rounded view of it.’

Asked if it would have implications for England’s prospects in the 2019 World Cup, he added: ‘Probably more 2023. I should be sat here now pretty much being able to tell you what the squad is going to be in 2019. It’s more about 2023 because the next heads of agreement is from June 2016 to June 2024, it’s an eight-year deal, so it will have implications beyond 2019.’

Under the proposals teams in the position of London Welsh, currently bottom, would not be relegated