Oxford Harlequins should find it easier to avoid the drop after the Rugby Football Union (RFU) clarified the relegation and promotion picture for next season.

Like many clubs, Quins look set to benefit from a restructure at the top of the professional game, which will filter down into the amateur ranks.

This means South West 1 will increase from 12 to 14 teams next season and be re-named National 3 South West.

Even if they finish bottom of South West 1, Quins will stay up provided that they get more points than two of the teams finishing last in London 1, Midlands 1 and North 1.

With eight points, Quins are the ‘best’ bottom team in the four regions.

London 1 basement boys Haywards Heath have six points, in Midlands 1, Bedford Athletic have four, and Darlington prop up North 1 with just two.

Quins coach John Brodley takes a very positive view of the situation.

“We are safe now,” he said. “The two teams in the north aren’t going to get to eight points.”

Should both Bedford and Darlington go down, one team from the London or South West division must be transferred into the new National 3 Midlands to make up the inbalance.

With trips from Oxford to Cornwall and Devon a financial burden, such a transfer might suit Quins.

A bonus-point scoring system is being considered for the new National 3 leagues, but this is subject to approval.

The RFU document also confirms there will be no relegation from level six, which locally means South West 2 East.

This is because the league will be increased from 12 to 14 teams, so struggling Henley Wanderers are safe.

In Southern Counties North, there may be good news for relegation-threatened Bicester.

Should two teams be promoted from that division and two promoted to it from the BB&O Premier Division, then even the club finishing bottom should survive.

If only one team is promoted from Southern Counties North, Bicester would need to avoid last place ti be safe.

At BB&O Premier Division level or below, the structure will be decided by local organising committees.