Moseley v Exeter to be league and cup clash in one

Moseley will make history on Saturday week when they meet Exeter Chiefs in a game that will be both a league and cup encounter. The Billesley Common outfit yesterday reached a verbal agreement with the Devonians about ‘piggy-backing’ their outstanding National One fixture on to their EDF Energy National Trophy semi- final to create an historic ‘double header’. As a result the stakes will not

only be a place in the final at Twickenham on April 18 but vital league points too, as the hosts strive to avoid relegation and their guests bid to maintain their outside hopes of promotion.

Although the arrangement must be confirmed in writing and letters lodged with the Rugby Football Union, there now seems nothing to stop Moseley and Exeter participating in what would be a first in professional rugby.

While the governing body have had the contingency in place for some time it has never been invoked at such a high level.

And director of rugby John Beale claims Moseley will not be distracted by what is on offer for the victors.

“It will be exciting for fans but it does not make any difference to our players,” he said. “The lads will treat it as they always do – as a very important cup match and a chance to get to Twickenham.”

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