Birmingham & Solihull handed licence until season's end

Championship side Birmingham and Solihull have been granted a licence to continue until the end of the current season by the Rugby Football Union.

The Bees had been given a deadline of the end of November to prove their financial viability after going into voluntary liquidation on 23 October.

Approval of their plans by the RFU means they can now complete the season.

But the Midlands club must prove their long-term business plan is workable before the start of the 2010/11 season.

If the Bees can convince the governing body's management board their finances, resources, Sharmans Cross Road ground and amateur section, are viable in the long term then they will regain full membership of the RFU.

The decision, taken on 25 November, ends months of speculation over the club's future.

After placing themselves in liquidation in October the RFU granted the Solihull-based side one month to put secure financial plans and docked them 15 points.

Players departed after wages went unpaid and it appeared that just months after being promoted back to the second tier of English rugby, after just one season out of it, the club could fold.

But the Bees have already acted fast after being handed their lifeline last week by signing a new shirt sponsorship deal and signing five new players.