THURROCK T-Birds have been crowned Championship One South champions but will not be lining up in the newly formed Super League next season.

T-Birds made sure of the title with a convincing 49-10 win against Richmond.

But Thurrock have been denied promotion by the RFU who cited the club failed to meet the minimum standards in a number of set criteria including coaching, training, sports science and finances.

However, the club remain disgusted by the verdict and hope to be able to appeal the decision.

“We are surprised and extremely disappointed by the decision from the RFU to exclude us from the new women’s elite competition,” said a club spokesman.

“We have made every effort to follow the application process and in doing so have confirmed that we can meet all the required standards as specified.

“We do not accept the reasons given as to why we have not been selected and, on the contrary, believe that we are one of very few clubs that can, as of today, already satisfy the necessary conditions regarding players, coaching and facilities.

“We presented what we believe was an achievable budget for delivering all of the specified support and facilities to provide the necessary players and performance improvements.

“We did not propose to spend money that we could not deliver.

“We have proven our ability to deliver over many seasons and have one of the most experienced women’s team set-ups behind the scenes.

“There are a number of issues surrounding this whole process and we will endeavour to appeal this decision.”

The statement from the RFU, while confirming the decision, said they would endeavour to work with any unsuccessful teams with their application in the future.

An RFU spokesman said: “Candidates for the new Women’s Super Rugby competition were required to demonstrate their suitability against set criteria and minimum standards. The focus of these included coaching and training, sports science and medical support, training and playing environment, player pools, and financial means.

“Unfortunately not all the clubs interviewed met the required criteria.

“The RFU is committed to working closely with any teams unsuccessful in their initial application, helping support future ambitions to compete in the new competition.”

Thurrock proved their worth again at the weekend but the final score-line was far tougher than the final score-line suggests.

However, T-Birds started strongly and opened the scoring after just four minutes when Sophie Tyler used her pace to speed through and score before Nat Smith also touched down to make it 10-0.

Richmond hit back with an unconverted try of their own before an injury to visiting captain Eryca Wessel saw the game switch pitches, where the T-Birds continued to impress with Tyler scoring her second try of the game.

Tammy Nichols also bagged a try before the prolific Sally Tuson took centre stage, scoring twice in seven minutes to make it 32-5.

Moments later, debutant Megan Okey came on to score with her first touch of the ball before Smith went over for another try.

With the T-Birds continuing to pile on the pressure, Tuson completed her hat-trick but Richmond kept fighting and closed the game out with a consolation score.

The victory was the third time in the last four years they have triumphed in the division.

T-Birds will now face Firwood Waterloo, winners of Championship One North, in the North v South Cup in late March looking to secure more success.