London Irish relegation confirmed

Omnisports 03:03 - 01 May 2016

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Bedford's exit from the Championship play-offs means London Irish will be relegated to the second tier.

London Irish's relegation from the Premiership was confirmed on Sunday as Bedford Blues suffered defeat to Bristol in the Championship play-off semi-finals.

Defeat to Harlequins last weekend meant Irish were certain to finish bottom of English rugby's top flight.

The Exiles retained slim hope of avoiding a first relegation since 1994 due to Bedford not meeting Premiership entry criteria.

However, the Blues were comfortably beaten by Bristol over two legs, the latter triumphing 45-19 at Ashton Gate on Sunday to wrap up a 90-35 aggregate win and book a promotion decider with Doncaster.

Doncaster were beaten 17-14 at home by Yorkshire Carnegie, but that was enough to earn a 44-34 aggregate triumph.

Defeat for Carnegie brings an end to the career of Kevin Sinfield, the 35-year-old having switched codes last year after a glittering rugby league career with Leeds Rhinos before announcing he would retire last month.