London Welsh are hoping for a £2m lifeline this month which could yet rescue them from relegation from the Aviva Premiership.

That’s the view of club chairman Bleddyn Phillips, who is calling on the Rugby Football Union and the Premiership to provide a level playing field for its member clubs.

Welsh, who are 15 points adrift at the bottom of the table and have secured only one point from 12 games, receive less than half the central funding of other clubs in the league.

The club, who play home matches at Oxford’s Kassam Stadium, believe they have a strong legal case which will force Premiership Rugby and the RFU to end the disparity between clubs.

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If successful, Exiles believe they will receive £2m to invest in new players in a desperate bid to stay up against all the odds.

“We’re hoping to get this matter resolved with an agreement in the next month,” said Phillips. “We can’t afford to go beyond two or three weeks.”

“I think it’s very important there should be parity of funding and a level playing field and that this principle is established.

“This disparity is most apparent by the strength of the players coming off the bench, who can change the game. We don’t have the resources to do this.”

With this extra cash, Phillips believes London Welsh could secure the players to give them a fighting chance of staying up.

He pointed out that tenth-placed Newcastle Falcons, whom Exiles visit on Sunday, this week boosted their ranks by signing Argentine prop Juan Pablo Orlandi from Bath.

“If the funding comes through, there is no reason why we couldn’t recruit some more players,” said Phillips. “There are always people available.

“If we can win five of our remaining games, we’re in the fight. It would be terrible to chuck in the towel.”

Phillips also gave his full backing to coach Justin Burnell, who has seen his side take some real hammerings this season.

He said: “Justin is a fine chap doing a good job in most difficult circumstances. He has my whole-hearted support.”

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