The search for a new owner for the Taunton Donkeys franchise is over. Tom Butler takes over the reins of the newly formed Chippenham Packers, who will compete in the South division in 2017 and beyond.

The commissioner extends a warm welcome to the Packers (that’s the first time I’ve ever written that sentence), and looks forward to seeing what moves they make in the off-season in preparation for a Championship tilt in 2017.