The Rugby Football Union is "facing the threat of a rebellion from its northern clubs against controversial plans to overhaul the governing body's league structures" below the Premiership and Championship, according to Gavin Mairs of the London TELEGRAPH. A "major restructuring of leagues" from National One and below is due to "come into force" for the start of the '16-17 season, after a number of changes were proposed last year following an "adult competitions" review by the RFU. However, the vast majority of northern clubs are "strongly opposed to the proposed restructuring of National League 3, or Level Five, with eight leagues of 12 clubs poised to replace the existing four leagues of 14 clubs." Opposition is "so strong" that the Northern Action Group is reportedly considering calling for an "extraordinary general meeting before the new structures are officially ratified." A recent RFU survey of the northern clubs found that about 85% were "against changes to the status quo." The NAG reportedly already has the support of more than 100 clubs, "which it needs to call an EGM of all member clubs." Such a move would represent an "embarrassing setback for the RFU ahead of hosting the World Cup in September." Clubs fear that smaller leagues "will cost them financially as they will have fewer guaranteed home matches." There is "also resistance to the proposed new cup competitions as they offer few guaranteed fixtures" (TELEGRAPH, 4/8).