ENGLISH rugby will receive a massive £12 million boost when Allied Dunbar take over the sponsorship of Leagues One and Two next season.

The top two divisions will be relaunched as the Allied Dunbar Premiership over three years. The insurance company take over from Courage, who invested in the leagues from the beginning 10 years ago.

Courage have provided £5 million over the last three years, spread throughout the 1,200 league clubs. The 24 top clubs' share of the £12 million will enable them to maintain a high salary level for star players.