Lions are unlikely to exercise their right of appeal and the move is expected to be confirmed later this week.

"There is no reason that it won't happen," said Lions secretary and director Mal Malik. "We have been made aware that it is a possibility and we will discuss it internally, but I don't think we intend to appeal as it would be in the wrong spirit of things.

"It's a shame in one way as, with Nuneaton and Loughborough Students coming into Three North, we will miss out on some derbies, but it will probably mean less travelling for us and with London Scottish and Richmond in Three South, it will be an opportunity for us to renew a few old acquaintances.

"It could also be a nice chance to go to some new clubs we haven't visited before and as a bit of an unknown, it will mean we have to concentrate on what we are doing."

Former Lions man Brett Taylor is coach of Richmond, who have been promoted as London One champions.

Lions, who announced at the end of last week that former Scotland winger Craig Moir has joined from Bedford as player-coach, are losing back row forward Tristan Prosser-Shaw who is understood to returning to Liberty Way to take up a new position as general manager of Nuneaton Borough Football Club.

"The new job is a challenge I need to take up, but unfortunately it involves weekend commitments," said Prosser-Shaw. "I have thoroughly enjoyed my return to Webb Ellis Road, and regret not having continued after making my debut for the club all those years ago.

"I started my league career at Webb Ellis Road and am proud to say that I finished my career at the Lions too, although I still intend to keep myself fit and have asked Rugby to keep my registration in case there are any emergencies next season!"

Lions have scotched rumours that two players, hooker Matt Price and back Sam Viggers, have been disciplined or suspended by the club.

Price will be playing for Lions next season, while Viggers is currently considering options of moving into a player-coach role locally.

* BACK-ROW forward Carl Thornton scored a hat-trick of tries as Coventrians secured promotion to Midlands Five West (South). Winger Rowan Aitken added a fourth try as Covents overpowered Clee Hill 27-0 in the play-off between the Midlands Six West South East and South West runners-up.

Hinckley booked their return to Midlands One with a 43-13 victory at Hereford in the Midlands Two East and West play-off.

* NUNEATON are running a number of supporters' coaches to the National Colts Cup final at Northampton on Monday, May 5, when they take on holders Bedford and places can be booked by contacting the Liberty Way club.

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