Barnsley RUFC have been reprieved from relegation to Yorkshire Division Three due to a restructuring of the leagues.

The Shaw Laners finished second bottom in Yorkshire Division Two but it has now been decided that only one club will go down. They have already signed a new coaching staff for next season including professional player Ryan Burrows. 

Head of coaching Mark Smith said: “It is good news and we’re obviously pleased but we should be finishing much higher up that table next season.  We’ve brought in new coaches who will add a lot to the club but the major difference needs to come from the players in terms of training more, being fitter and buying into what we’re trying to do. 

“We’re already way ahead of where we were 12 months ago in terms of our preparation with most pre-season activity already sorted. We have started training so will have three weeks longer than last season.”

Meanwhile, Barnsley RUFC Ladies players Jess Roberts and Hannah Greenaway were part of the Yorkshire Women’s team which won the County Championship at Twickenham.