National Community Rugby League

Last updated
National Community Rugby League
Founded2026 (2026)
CountryFlag of England.svg  England
Divisions National Premier League
National League One
Conference Cumbria
Conference North West
Conference Southern
Conference Yorkshire
Number of clubs72
Relegation to Cumbria ARL
North West Men's League
Yorkshire Mens League
Domestic cup Challenge Cup
League cupNational Cup
Website NCRL

The National Community Rugby League (NCRL) is part of the British rugby league system at the top end of the amateur pyramid below the professional Championship. It comes under the jurisdiction of the Rugby Football League (RFL). The NCRL consists of two National divisions and five regional conferences.

Contents

History

In November 2025, the RFL launched its National Community Rugby League initiative which proposed replacing the National Conference League (NCL) with two national leagues and a number of regional leagues. [1] While most clubs were not in favour of the initiative, the clubs decided to agree to the proposal "for the good of the sport". [1] The NCL clubs met on 19 January and agreed to dissolve the NCL. [2]

System

The NCRL comprises two national divisions; National Premier League and National League One. Beneath them are five regional conferences; National Conference Cumbria, National Conference North West, National Conference Southern, National Conference Yorkshire A and National Conference Yorkshire B.

In each division clubs play each other twice, once at their home stadium and once at their opponents. Teams receive two points for a win, one for a draw and none for a loss. Teams are ranked by competition points, points difference (points scored less points conceded), and points scored.

At the end of the season in the National Premier League, the top six teams enter the play-offs with the winner being crowned NCRL champions. The bottom three clubs are relegated to National League One.

LevelLeague
1National Premier League
12 clubs
2National League One
12 clubs
3National Conference Cumbria
10 clubs		National Conference Southern
8 clubs		National Conference North West
10 clubs		National Conference Yorkshire
20 clubs

References

  1. 1 2 "Talking Grassroots: NCL 'begrudgingly' back restructure as legal action averted – Total Rugby League". Total RL. No. 21 December 2025. Retrieved 27 January 2026.
  2. ↑ "Talking Grassroots". Rugby Leaguer & League Express . No. 3516. 26 January 2026. p. 25.
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