Stone set for Championship 1 All Golds role

University of Gloucester All Golds coach Ken Stone is the favourite to land the role permanently when the side step up to Championship 1 next season.

The All Golds will join Hemel Stags, Northampton Devils and another team yet to be confirmed by the RFL into a 10 team Championship 1 as part of a re-branding of the professional game’s third tier.

Stone will have a chance to test his current crop of players against the very best professional clubs the Super League has to offer when they take part in the Rugby League 9s.

The tournament will kick off on Tuesday, May 29 with the All Golds travelling to Aldershot Military Stadium where they will face London Broncos, Widnes Vikings and Wigan Warriors.

Stone said: “Playing against opposition like Wigan will be a tough test, but both the players and myself are looking forward to this challenge.

“It’s going to be an historic day for the university and the south-west region when the All Golds take to the field, and we will be doing our best to ensure we perform to our ability and doing so with pride and honour.”