Counties 1 Midlands West (North)

Last updated

Counties 1 Midlands West (North)
Current season or competition:
Rugby football current event.svg 2025–26 Counties 1 Midlands West (North)
Sport Rugby union
Instituted1992;33 years ago (1992)(as Midlands West 1)
Number of teams12
CountryFlag of England.svg  England
Holders Sutton Coldfield (2024–25)
Most titles Camp Hill, Lichfield, Ludlow, Moseley Oak (2 titles)
Website England RFU

Counties 1 Midlands West (North) (formerly Midands 2 West (North)) is a level 7 English rugby union league and level 3 of the Midlands League, made up of clubs from the northern part of the West Midlands region including Shropshire, Staffordshire, parts of Birmingham and the West Midlands and occasionally Cheshire, with home and away matches played throughout the season. When this division began in 1992 it was known as Midlands West 1, until it was split into two regional divisions called Midlands 3 West (North) and Midlands 3 West (South) ahead of the 2000–01 season. Further restructuring of the Midlands leagues ahead of the 2009–10 season, saw it changed to Midlands 2 West (North) and post the Rugby Football Union (RFU)'s Adult Competition Review, from season 2022–23 it adopted its current name.

Contents

Sutton Coldfield are the current champions.

Format

The champions are promoted to Regional Midlands 2 West or occasionally to Regional 2 Midlands North. The number of teams relegated depends on feedback following promotion and relegation in the leagues above, but is usually to Counties 2 Midlands West (South).

The season runs from September to April and comprises twenty-two rounds of matches, with each club playing each of its rivals, home and away. The results of the matches contribute points to the league as follows:

2025–26

Participating teams & location

Departing were the champions Sutton Coldfield promoted to Regional 2 Midlands North, while Willenhall (10th), Stafford (11th) and Wolverhampton (12th) were relegated to Counties 2 Midlands West (West). Also leaving were Kidderminster Carolians (8th) on a level transfer to Counties 1 Midlands West (South). Joining the league were Aston Old Edwardians promoted from Counties 2 Midlands West (East) and Stourbridge Lions promoted from Counties 2 Midlands West (West) as champions. Crewe & Nantwich (11th) were relegated from Regional 2 North West, Tamworth (11th) relegated from Regional 2 North Midlands and Whitchurch (12th) relegated from Regional 2 West Midlands.

2024–25

Participating teams & locations

Departing were Edwardians promoted to Regional 2 Midlands North whilst Old Saltleians were promoted to Regional 2 Midlands West. Harborne and Longton were relegated to Counties 2 Midlands West (West). Camp Hill left on a level transfer to Counties 1 Midlands West (South). Joining were Sutton Coldfield and Wolverhampton, both relegated, together with Veseyans, Newport (Salop) 2XV and Willenhall – all promoted.

League table

2024–25 Counties 1 Midlands West (North) [1]
PlayedWonDrawnLostPoints forPoints againstPoints diffTry bonusLoss bonusPointsPts adj
1 Sutton Coldfield (P)2222001160302858220110
2Burntwood22190379749030715091
3Newcastle (Staffs)22141769652916715275
4Veseyans2213096555847117574
5Spartans221309578575313570
6Telford Hornets2210012543665−12212456
7 Newport (Salop) 2XV 229013571611−4013655
8Kidderminster Carolians2210012539725−18610050
9Shrewsbury227015633830−19713647
10Willenhall (R)226016510694−18414745
11Stafford (R)226016437781−3447133+1
12Wolverhampton (R)222119365698−3336521
  • If teams are level at any stage, tiebreakers are applied in the following order:
  1. Number of matches won
  2. Difference between points for and against
  3. Total number of points for
  4. Aggregate number of points scored in matches between tied teams
  5. Number of matches won excluding the first match, then the second and so on until the tie is settled
Green background is the promotion place Pink background are the relegation places
Updated: 27 December 2025

2023–24

Participating teams & locations

Departing were 2nd-placed Tamworth promoted to Regional 2 Midlands North. Luctonians 2XV (1st) moved on a level transfer to Counties 1 Midlands West (South) – promotion to level 6 was not permitted due to league rules on reserve teams in the RFU leagues. Stourbridge Lions and Uttoxeter were relegated to Counties 2 Midlands West (West) and Counties 2 Midlands West (East) respectively. Joining were Harborne and Burntwood, both promoted, together with Kidderminster Carolians and Spartans both on a level transfer

League table

2023–24 Counties 1 Midlands West (North) [2]
PlayedWonDrawnLostPoints forPoints againstPoints diffTry bonusLoss bonusPointsPts adj
1Edwardians(P)222101931260671201105
2Old Saltleians22200293631262418199
3Newcastle (Staffs)22160670346423913279
4Burntwood221201068455612814467+1
5Shrewsbury2212010663658513163
6Kidderminster Carolians22110116185348412359
7Telford Hornets2210012534545−118452
8Spartans229013554570−1611451
9Stafford229013463753−29010147
10Camp Hill227015505615−1107641
11 Longton (R)2240184291103−6747225
12Harborne (R)221021281931−65022−2−10
  • If teams are level at any stage, tiebreakers are applied in the following order:
  1. Number of matches won
  2. Difference between points for and against
  3. Total number of points for
  4. Aggregate number of points scored in matches between tied teams
  5. Number of matches won excluding the first match, then the second and so on until the tie is settled
Green background is the promotion place Pink background are the relegation places
Updated: 25 December 2025

2022–23

Participating teams & locations

This was the first season following the RFU Adult Competition Review with the league adopting its new name of Counties 1 Midlands West (South). [3] Departing were Crewe & Nantwich, Moseley Oak and Walsall all promoted to Regional 2 Midlands West. Also leaving was Leek, promoted to Regional 2 Midlands North. Joining were Edwardians, Shrewsbury, Telford Hornets and Luctonians 2XV.

League table

2022–23 Counties 1 Midlands West (North) [5]
PlayedWonDrawnLostPoints forPoints againstPoints diffTry bonusLoss bonusPointsPts adj
1 Luctonians 2XV 222200827251576180110+4
2 Tamworth (P)22190390334655718094
3Edwardians22160681242838415384+2
4Stafford2213095915048712266
5Camp Hill22120106555807510260
6Shrewsbury2210111595596−19354
7Newcastle (Staffs)2210111487656−1697150
8Old Saltleians229013543598−5511249
9Telford Hornets228014491586−9512448
10 Longton 227015454788−3346439−1
11 Stourbridge (R)222218297824−5272115+2
12 Uttoxeter (R)222020336834−498339−5
  • If teams are level at any stage, tiebreakers are applied in the following order:
  1. Number of matches won
  2. Difference between points for and against
  3. Total number of points for
  4. Aggregate number of points scored in matches between tied teams
  5. Number of matches won excluding the first match, then the second and so on until the tie is settled
Green background is the promotion place Pink background are the relegation places
Updated: 20 December 2025

2021–22

2020–21

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020–21 season was cancelled.

2019–20

2018–19

2017–18

Teams 2016-17

Teams 2015-16

Teams 2014-15

Teams 2013-14

Teams 2012–13

Teams 2011–12

Teams 2010-11

Original teams

Teams in Midlands 2 West (North) and Midlands 2 West (South) were originally part of a single division called Midlands 1 West, which contained the following sides when in was introduced in 1992:

Midlands 2 West (North) honours

Midlands West 1 (1992–1993)

Midlands 2 West (North) and Midlands 2 West (South) were originally part of a single tier 7 division called Midlands West 1. Promotion was to Midlands 2 and relegation to Midlands West 2 [e] .

Midlands West 1
SeasonNo of teamsChampionsRunners–upRelegated teamsReference
1992–9313 Willenhall Newbold-on-Avon Old Yardleians [8]
Green backgrounds are the promotion places.

Midlands West 1 (1993–1996)

The top six teams from Midlands 1 and the top six from North 1 were combined to create National 5 North, meaning that Midlands 1 West dropped to become a tier 8 league. Promotion and relegation continued to Midlands 2 and Midlands West 2.

Midlands West 1
SeasonNo of teamsChampionsRunners–upRelegated teamsReference
1993–9413 Sutton Coldfield Bromsgrove Nuneaton Old Edwardians [9]
1994–9513 Newport (Salop) Longton Ludlow, Newcastle (Staffs) [10]
1995–9613 Luctonians Dudley Kingswinford [f] No relegation [g] [11]
Green backgrounds are the promotion places.

Midlands West 1 (1996–2000)

At the end of the 1995–96 season National 5 North was discontinued and Midlands West 1 returned to being a tier 7 league. Promotion and relegation continued to Midlands 2 and Midlands West 2.

Midlands West 1
SeasonNo of teamsChampionsRunners–upRelegated teamsReference
1996–9717 Longton Malvern Dixonians, Stoke Old Boys, Tamworth [12]
1997–9817 Newbold-on-Avon Keresley Nuneaton Old Edwardians [13]
1998–9917 Malvern Selly Oak Ludlow, Willenhall, Leek
1999–0017 Selly Oak Shrewsbury No relegation [h]
Green backgrounds are the promotion places.

Midlands 3 West (North) (2000–2009)

Restructuring ahead of the 2000–01 season saw Midlands West 1 split into two tier 7 regional leagues - Midlands 3 West (North) and Midlands 3 West (South). Promotion was now to Midlands 2 West (formerly Midlands 2) and relegation to Midlands 4 West (North) (formerly Midlands West 2) [i] .

Midlands 3 West (North)
SeasonNo of teamsChampionsRunners–upRelegated teamsReference
2000–0110 Shrewsbury Stafford Newcastle (Staffs) [14]
2001–0210 Lordswood Dixonians Aston Old Edwardians Leek, Old Halesonians, Selly Oak [15]
2002–0310 Aston Old Edwardians Stoke-on-Trent Newport (Salop) [16]
2003–0412 Burton Sutton Coldfield Lordswood Dixonians, Burntwood [17]
2004–0512 Camp Hill Newport (Salop) Willenhall, Old Saltleians [18]
2005–0612 Lichfield Bridgnorth Telford Hornets, Newcastle (Staffs) [19]
2006–0712 Sandbach Sutton Coldfield Burntwood, Old Yardleians [20]
2007–0812 Camp Hill Stoke-on-Trent Shrewsbury, Leek [21]
2008–0912 Old Halesonians Bournville [j] Wednesbury, Stourbridge Lions [22]
Green backgrounds are promotion places.

Midlands 2 West (North) (2009–22)

League restructuring by the RFU meant that Midlands 3 West (North) and Midlands 3 West (South) were renamed Midlands 2 West (North) and Midlands 2 West (South), with both leagues remaining at tier 7. Promotion was to Midlands 1 West (formerly Midlands 2 West) and relegation to Midlands 3 West (North) (formerly Midlands 4 West (North)).

Midlands 2 West (North)
SeasonNo of teamsChampionsRunners–upRelegated teamsReference
2009–1012 Lichfield Old SaltleiansWolverhampton, Ashbourne [23]
2010–1112LudlowOld SaltleiansWillenhall, Stourbridge Lions [24]
2011–1212 Stoke-on-Trent Old SaltleiansShrewsbury, Burntwood, Lordswood Dixonians [25]
2012–1311 Silhillians Selly Oak Veseyans [26]
2013–1412 Leek Crewe & NantwichAston Old Edwardians, Willenhall [27]
2014–1512 Bridgnorth Old Saltleians Tamworth, Ludlow [28]
2015–1612 Moseley Oak WolverhamptonHarborne, Handsworth [29]
2016–1711 Stourbridge Lions Camp HillShrewsbury, Stafford [30]
2017–1812 Whitchurch Crewe & NantwichCleobury Mortimer, Old Saltleians [31]
2018–1912Ludlow Tamworth Telford Hornets, Veseyans [32]
2019–2012WolverhamptonCamp HillShrewsbury, Burntwood [33]
2020–2112Cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom.
2021–2212Crewe & Nantwich Moseley Oak Walsall and Leek (also promoted); No relegation
Green backgrounds are promotion places.

Counties 1 Midlands West (North) (2022– )

Following league reorganisation, Midlands 2 West (North) is renamed Counties 1 Midlands West (North) and continues to be a tier 7 league. Promotion is to Regional 2 North Midlands. Relegation is usually to one of the Counties 2 Midlands West leagues.

Counties 1 Midlands West (North)
SeasonNo of teamsNo of matchesChampionsRunners-upRelegated team(s)Ref
2022–231222 Luctonians 2XV Tamworth Barkers Butts (11th) and Uttoxeter (12th) [5]
2023–241222EdwardiansOld Saltleians Longton (11th) and Harborne (12th) [2]
2024–251222 Sutton Coldfield BurntwoodWillenhall (10th), Stafford (11th) and Wolverhampton (12th) [1]
Green background is the promotion place.

Promotion play-offs

Since the 2000–01 season there has been a play-off between the runners-up of Midlands 2 West (North) and Midlands 2 West (South) for the third and final promotion place to Midlands 1 West (asides from 2008-09 which was played between the runners up of Midlands 2 West (South) and Midlands 2 East (North) due to RFU restructuring). The team with the superior league record has home advantage in the tie. At the end of the 2019–20 season the Midlands 2 West (South) teams had ten wins to Midlands 2 West (North) teams eight; and the home team has won promotion on eleven occasions compared to the away teams seven.

Midlands 2 West (North) v Midlands 2 West (South) promotion play-off results
SeasonHome teamScoreAway teamVenueAttendance
2000–01 [34] Stafford (N)32-10 Leamington (S)The County Ground, Stafford, Staffordshire
2001–02 [35] Bedworth (S)10-6 Aston Old Edwardians (N)Smarts Road, Bedworth, Warwickshire
2002-03 [36] Old Coventrians (S)15-17 Stoke-on-Trent (N)Till Hill Lane, Coventry, Warwickshire
2003-04 [37] Sutton Coldfield (N)3-37 Leamington (S)Roger Smoldon Ground, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands
2004-05 [38] Newport (Salop) (N)25-12 Pershore (S)The Old Showground, Newport, Shropshire
2005–06 [39] Bridgnorth (N)17-14 Hereford (S)Edgar Davis Ground, Bridgnorth, Shropshire
2006–07 [40] Sutton Coldfield (N)11-18 Stratford-upon-Avon (S)Roger Smoldon Ground, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands
2007–08 [41] Droitwich (S)3-18 Stoke-on-Trent (N)The Glyn Mitchell Memorial Ground, Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire
2008–09Promotion playoffs different for this season only. [k]
2009–10 [42] Old Saltleians (N)12-14 Old Laurentians (S)Watton Lane, Water Orton, Warwickshire
2010–11 [43] Bedworth (S)15-6 Old Saltleians (N)Smarts Road, Bedworth, Warwickshire
2011–12 [44] Old Saltleians (N)3-27 Berkswell & Balsall (S)Watton Lane, Water Orton, Warwickshire
2012–13 [45] Old Laurentians (S)16-6 Selly Oak (S)Fenley Field, Rugby, Warwickshire
2013–14 [46] Crewe & Nantwich (N)18-13 Banbury (S)Newcastle Road, Nantwich, Cheshire 500
2014–15 [47] Old Laurentians (S)32-23 Old Saltleians (N)Fenley Field, Rugby, Warwickshire 500
2015–16 [48] Earlsdon (S)5-20 Wolverhampton (N)Mitchell Avenue, Canley, Coventry, West Midlands
2016–17 [49] Camp Hill (N)53-0 Silhillians Haslucks Green Road, Shirley, Solihull, West Midlands
2017–18 [50] Malvern (S)53-12 Crewe & Nantwich (N)Spring Lane, Malvern, Worcestershire
2018–19 [51] Kidderminster Carolians (S)33-17 Tamworth (N)Marlpool Lane, Kidderminster, Worcestershire 500
2019–20Cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom. Best ranked runner up - Malvern (S) - promoted instead.
2020–21
Green background is the promoted team. N = Midlands 2 West (North) (formerly Midlands 3 West (North)) and S = Midlands 2 West (South) (formerly Midlands 3 West (South))

Number of league titles

Notes

  1. ↑ Old Boys side of Halesowen Grammar School.
  2. ↑ Old Boys side of Leamington College. [6]
  3. ↑ Formed as Old Boys side of Longton High School, Old Longtonians would be renamed as Longton Rugby Club in 1994. [7]
  4. ↑ Old Boys side of Yardley Grammar School.
  5. ↑ Midlands West 2 is currently split into two regional divisions - Midlands 4 West (North) and Midlands 4 West (South).
  6. ↑ Due to the cancellation of National 5 North at the end of the season, five clubs were promoted including Kenilworth, Bromsgrove and Old Laurentians.
  7. ↑ Due to widespread restructuring caused by the cancellation of National 5 North there was no relegation.
  8. ↑ Due to the restructuring of the Midlands leagues for the following season, there was no relegation.
  9. ↑ Ahead of the 2000–01 Midlands West 2 was also split into two regional leagues - Midlands 4 West (North) and Midlands 4 West (South).
  10. ↑ Due to the RFU restructuring the league system for the 2009-10 season, runners up Bournville were automatically promoted as one of the two best runners up of the four Midlands 3 divisions, meaning they did not have to face a playoff.
  11. ↑ The 2008-09 promotion playoffs were different as the RFU was reorganizing the leagues across the country including the Midlands division. Usually the winners of each of the four regional divisions would go up automatically along with two of the runners up who won their respective playoffs, meaning 6 teams were promoted. This year one extra was required to be promoted so the top two runners up by league points - Bourneville (40) and Stewarts & Lloyds (40) went up - leaving the other two runners up - Nuneaton Old Edwardians (34) and Spalding (38) - to compete for the final promotion spot. [22]
  12. ↑ Moseley Oak's title was when league was single division known as Midlands West 1 and club was known as Selly Oak.
  13. ↑ Longton's title was when league was single division known as Midlands West 1.
  14. ↑ Luctonians title was when league was single division known as Midlands West 1.
  15. ↑ Malvern's title was when league was single division known as Midlands West 1.
  16. ↑ Newbold-on-Avon's title was when league was single division known as Midlands West 1.
  17. ↑ Newport's (Salop) title was when league was single division known as Midlands West 1.
  18. ↑ Sutton Coldfield's title was when league was single division known as Midlands West 1.
  19. ↑ Willenhall's title was when league was single division known as Midlands West 1.

See also

References

  1. 1 2 "Counties 1 Midlands West (North)". EnglandRugby. Retrieved 27 December 2025.
  2. 1 2 "Counties 1 Midlands West (North)". EnglandRugby. Retrieved 25 December 2025.
  3. ↑ "RFU announce new men's community structure". RFU. 20 December 2025.
  4. ↑ "Mortimer Park". Luctonians Sports Club. Retrieved 10 June 2023.
  5. 1 2 "Counties 1 Midlands West (North)". EnglandRugby. Retrieved 20 December 2025.
  6. ↑ "OLRFC History of Old Leamingtonians RFC". Rugby 4 Heroes. Retrieved 26 December 2020.
  7. ↑ "Our History". Longton Rugby Club. Retrieved 24 November 2020.
  8. ↑ Jones, Stephen; Griffiths, John (1993). Rothmans Rugby Union Yearbook 1993-94. Headline. pp. 164–167. ISBN   0-7472-7891-1.
  9. ↑ Jones, Stephen; Griffiths, John (1994). Rothmans Rugby Union Yearbook 1994-95. Headline. pp. 164–167. ISBN   0-7472-7891-1.
  10. ↑ Jones, Stephen; Griffiths, John (1995). Rothmans Rugby Union Yearbook 1995-96. Headline. pp. 176–179. ISBN   0-7472-7850-4.
  11. ↑ Cleary, Mick; Griffiths, John (1996). Rothmans Rugby Union Yearbook 1996-97. Headline. pp. 192–195. ISBN   0-7472-7816-4.
  12. ↑ Cleary, Mick; Griffiths, John (1997). Rothmans Rugby Union Yearbook 1997-98. Headline. pp. 156–159. ISBN   0-7472-7771-0.
  13. ↑ Cleary, Mick; Griffiths, John (1998). Rothmans Rugby Union Yearbook 1998-99. Headline. pp. 90–93. ISBN   0-7472-7653-6.
  14. ↑ "2000-2001 Midlands Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 7 March 2015.
  15. ↑ "2001-2002 Midlands Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 7 March 2015.
  16. ↑ "2002-2003 Midlands Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 7 March 2015.
  17. ↑ "2003-2004 Midlands Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 7 March 2015.
  18. ↑ "2004-2005 Midlands Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 7 March 2015.
  19. ↑ "2005-2006 Midlands Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 7 March 2015.
  20. ↑ "2006-2007 Midlands Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 7 March 2015.
  21. ↑ "2007-2008 Midlands Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 7 March 2015.
  22. 1 2 "2008-2009 Midlands Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 7 March 2015.
  23. ↑ "2009-2010 Midlands Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 7 March 2015.
  24. ↑ "2010-2011 Midlands Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 7 March 2015.
  25. ↑ "2011-2012 Midlands Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 7 March 2015.
  26. ↑ "2012-2013 Midlands Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 7 March 2015.
  27. ↑ "2013-2014 Midlands Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 7 March 2015.
  28. ↑ "2014-2015 Midlands Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 2 May 2015.
  29. ↑ "2015-2016 Midlands Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 2 May 2016.
  30. ↑ "2016-2017 Midlands Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 22 April 2017.
  31. ↑ "2017-2018 Midlands Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 28 April 2018.
  32. ↑ "2018-19 Midlands Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 13 April 2019.
  33. ↑ "Men's level 5 - 7 leagues 2019–20" (PDF). England Rugby. Retrieved 25 April 2020.
  34. ↑ "Midlands Division Play-Offs 2000-01". England Rugby. 19 May 2001.
  35. ↑ "Midlands Division Play-Offs 2001-02". England Rugby. 27 April 2002.
  36. ↑ "Midlands Division Play-Offs 2002-03". England Rugby. 26 April 2003.
  37. ↑ "Midlands Division Play-Offs 2003-04". England Rugby. 24 April 2004.
  38. ↑ "Midlands Division Play-Offs 2004-05". England Rugby. 30 April 2005.
  39. ↑ "Midlands Division Play-Offs 2005-06". England Rugby. 29 April 2006.
  40. ↑ "Midlands Division Play-Offs 2006-07". England Rugby. 28 April 2007.
  41. ↑ "Midlands Division Play-Offs 2008-09". England Rugby. 26 April 2008.
  42. ↑ "Midlands Division Play-Offs 2009-10". England Rugby. 1 May 2010.
  43. ↑ "Midlands Division Play-Offs 2009-10". England Rugby. 30 April 2011.
  44. ↑ "Brilliant Berkswell win promotion play off against Old Saltelians". Solihull News. 4 May 2012.
  45. ↑ "Play Off Match Report: Old Laurentians 16-6 Moseley Oak". Moseley Supporters Board. 30 April 2013.
  46. ↑ "Crewe 18 Banbury 13". Crewe RUFC. 26 April 2014.
  47. ↑ "RUGBY: Old Laurentians' play-off win - ACTION PICTURES". Rugby Advertiser. 30 April 2015.
  48. ↑ "Earlsdon RFC miss swift return to Midlands West One with Wolverhampton RFC defeat". Coventry Telegraph. 4 May 2016.
  49. ↑ "Celebrations for Camp Hill as local win confirms League One promotion". Solihull Observer. 4 May 2017.
  50. ↑ "Positive seasons end in defeat for Crewe & Nantwich and Sandbach". Crewe Chronicle. 2 May 2018.
  51. ↑ "KC's are history makers!!!". Kidderminster Carolians RFC (Pitchero). 27 April 2019.
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