The wait is finally over...the new Championship season is upon us.

The 2023/24 campaign kicks off tonight at The Mennaye, where Cornish Pirates host London Scottish in the season opener, and culminates on the weekend of 7-9 June, when the winner of the Championship will face the last-placed team in the Premiership for the right to play in England's top tier next year. It's fair to say that there have been highs and lows in the build-up to the new season. The inclusion of Championship clubs in the Premiership Rugby Cup, for the first time in the competition's history, showcased the strength of England's second tier, with the likes of Coventry, Bedford Blues, Jersey Reds and Ealing Trailfinders all claiming wins against top-flight opposition, with the latter topping Pool D to set up a semi-final against Leicester Tigers. But everyone involved in the Championship, and the wider rugby community, was saddened by the decision of Jersey Reds to cease trading last month. The RFU confirmed yesterday that The Reds will not compete in the Championship this season, meaning that - with 11 teams in the league - each round will see one team given a bye, and there will be no relegation at the end of the season. 

• Jersey Reds withdraw from league structure
• Ealing Trailfinders set for PRC semi-final

Round 1 throws up a number of eye-catching fixtures. The Exiles will be hoping to take their end of season form - which saw them avoid relegation with back-to-back wins against Richmond and Nottingham - into their season opener against Cornish Pirates. Newly promoted Cambridge make their Championship debut with a trip to Ampthill, while Doncaster Knights and Hartpury meet at Castle Park in what is sure to be a high-scoring encounter. Nottingham, who produced some scintillating rugby in the Premiership Rugby Cup, travel to Paton Field to take on Caldy, while Bedford Blues host a star-studded Ealing Trailfinders in what is arguably the stand-out fixture of the round.