Last year's RFU Championship finalists Bristol Rugby will face Rotherham Titans when the season kicks-off again in August.
Last year's RFU Championship finalists take on Rotherham first-up
Last year's RFU Championship finalists Bristol will face Rotherham Titans first-up as they aim to go one better this season.
Paul Hull's side were denied promotion by Exeter Chiefs in last month's two-legged final and now face the Titans on the weekend of August 28 in their opening fixture of the 2010-11 season.
Worcester, who dropped into the Championship following their relegation from the Guinness Premiership, will take on Birmingham & Solihull in the opening weekend as they attempt to bounce back at the first attempt.
As like last year, the new season will follow the three-stage system - 22 rounds (stage 1), six play-off rounds (stage 2) followed by semi-finals and a double-legged final (stage 3).
RFU tournament and competitions director Terry Burwell said: "The inaugural RFU Championship season produced some exciting rugby with more television exposure than ever before at this level thanks to the RFU's five-year agreement with
Sky Sports, culminating in a thrilling climax in the pool and knockout stages.
"We have reviewed the season in conjunction with the Championship clubs and developed a structure which rewards teams for their record throughout 22 rounds of the regular season but retains the excitement of the play-offs."
Promotion pools
Clubs finishing in the top eight will go into two promotion pools of four and based on their ranking will start with points as a reward for their record during rounds 1-22. The first ranked team will have three points, the second two, the third one and the fourth none.
Clubs finishing in the bottom four will go into one relegation pool and will carry forward one point for every game won in rounds 1-22.
Geoff Irvine, chairman of the Championship clubs, added: "We are excited about the second season of the Championship and feel that the changes made reflect the desire of the clubs to have some incentive which can be carried forward to the play-offs."
Meanwhile, the transfer deadline for signing players ahead of the play-offs has been extended by two weeks until Friday, January 28, prior to round 19.
The British & Irish Cup pools and fixtures are being finalised and will be announced in due course.
