The Cornish All Blacks will start the new National League One rugby union season with a deduction of 20 League points.

The Launceston club went into voluntary liquidation earlier this month, after failing to agree a repayment plan for a six-figure debt with Her Majesty's Customs and Revenue.

Club officials met with the RFU at the governing body's headquarters at Twickenham last week and have been granted a temporary licence to play rugby in League One for the 2010-11 season.

Obtaining a full licence will be conditional upon a number of criteria being fulfilled by Saturday, October 4.

A club statement read: "For Launceston Rugby Club Limited to be considered for permanent membership of the Union then it must, during the period of the temporary licence, meet a number of conditions to the RFU board of directors' satisfaction, the process of which has already been commenced.

"In addition, by calling a meeting to liquidate Launceston Rugby Football Club Limited, under RFU Regulations Launceston Rugby Club will start the season with the deduction of 20 League points in advance of the first National League One game."

The All Blacks' financial plight became first became apparent in January when they were forced to cut the players' wages in response to falling gate receipts and sponsorship revenues.

Despite their off-the-field issues, the Cornish side achieved a top-three finish in League One last season, but the severity of RFU's punishment means avoiding relegation will be the top priority this season. Their first League match is at Rosslyn Park next Saturday.