Regional 1 South West

Last updated

Regional 1 South West
Current season or competition:
Rugby football current event.svg 2024–25 Regional 1 South West
Sport Rugby union
Instituted1987;37 years ago (1987)(as South West 1)
Number of teams12
CountryFlag of England.svg  England
Holders Devonport Services (1st title) (2023–24
(promoted to National League 2 West))
Most titles Bournemouth, Chinnor, Clifton, Dings Crusaders, Reading (2 titles)
Website England Rugby – South West Division

Regional 1 South West (formerly South West Premier and National League 3 South West) is a level five league in the English rugby union system. [1] It is one of six leagues at this level. When this division began in 1987 it was known as South West Division 1. The format of the league was changed at the beginning of the 2009–10 season following reorganisation by the Rugby Football Union, and the name change from National League 3 to South West Premier was introduced for the 2017–18 season by the RFU in order to lessen confusion for what is a series of regional leagues. [1] Regional 1 South West, is the highest regional rugby union league covering South West England. The club finishing in first place is promoted to National League 2 West. Relegated teams drop down to either Regional 2 South West or Regional 2 Severn, depending on their location.

Contents

Devonport Services are the current champions.

Format

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:

Current season

Nine of last years teams participate in this season's competition. Five of the teams are from Devon, while Cornwall, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire have two clubs each and Somerset one club. Devonport Services, as champions, are promoted to National League 2 West. Okehampton (11th) and Weston-super-Mare (12th) are relegated to Regional 2 South West and Regional 2 Severn respectively, while Marlborough (9th) is transferred from Regional 1 South Central.

Participating teams and locations

2023–24

Nine of last years teams participate in this season's competition. Champions, Camborne were promoted to National League 2 West while Old Centralians (11th) and Drybrook (12th) were both relegated to Regional 2 Severn. Six of the teams are from Devon, while Cornwall, Gloucestershire and Somerset each have two clubs.

Participating teams and locations

TeamGroundCapacityCity/AreaPrevious season
Barnstaple Pottingham Road2,000 (575 seats) Barnstaple, Devon Relegated from National League 2 West 13th
Brixham Astley Park1,800 (300 stand) Brixham, Devon 3rd
Chew Valley Lobbingtons Chew Magna, Somerset 2nd
Devonport Services The Rectory2,000 Devonport, Plymouth, Devon 4th
Exmouth Imperial Recreation Ground1,250 (250 stand) Exmouth, Devon 5th
Ivybridge Cross-in-Hand Ivybridge, Devon 6th
Launceston Polson Bridge3,000 (194 seats) Launceston, Cornwall 8th
Lydney Regentsholme1,500 Lydney, Gloucestershire 7th
Matson Redwell Road Matson, Gloucester, Gloucestershire Promoted from Regional 2 Severn (1st)
Okehampton Showground1,120 (120 seats) Okehampton, Devon 9th
St Austell Tregorrick Park4,000 (300 seats) St Austell, Cornwall Promoted from Regional 2 South West (1st)
Weston-super-Mare Recreation Ground6,000 Weston-super-Mare, Somerset 10th

League table

Regional 1 South West 2023–24
PosTeamPldWDLPFPAPDTBLBPtsQualification
1 Devonport Services (C)221903793403+39016294Promoted
2 Barnstaple 221804727341+38614288
3 Chew Valley 221705787426+36114284
4 Brixham 221516840554+28616280
5 Launceston 221309616457+15911366
6 Exmouth 221101151752258254
7 Lydney 2280145676427514450
8 St Austell 2271144856431589645
9 Ivybridge 2270155057862816438
10 Matson 2270154326532219335 [lower-alpha 1]
11 Okehampton (R)2250174147973833326Relegated
12 Weston-super-Mare (R)2240184419004596224
Updated to match(es) played on 6 April 2024. Source: [2]
Rules for classification: 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
    (C) Champion; (R) Relegated
    Notes:
  1. 5 points deducted

Results

Home \ Away BAR BRI CHV DEV EXM IVY LAU LYD MAT OKE SAU WSM
Barnstaple 33–2020–1941–1621–1755–726–829–1055–045–1431–1757–14
Brixham 39–3839–3628–2422–4540–1246–3145–2077–788–1234–3454–28
Chew Valley 35–1932–2712–1121–1060–3112–336–741–080–644–1261–6
Devonport Services 23–1239–2227–1733–1761–1228–1838–1839–3148–750–2455–7
Exmouth 3–2634–2127–4717–2060–1412–2340–36HWO33–327–2243–18
Ivybridge 16–6825–4246–1917–2520–1110–2423–2018–2437–2336–3529–27
Launceston 20–1721–2831–226–2644–548–3136–2646–315–2039–1962–12
Lydney 10–1832–2924–4220–2422–3134–3238–1544–2838–1933–2434–19
Matson 25–3410–2112–1734–4231–3217–1420–3527–1429–2126–2038–12
Okehampton 8–4515–4119–5619–3521–2234–3030–2936–1014–3816–1712–24
St Austell 8–1514–1926–355–6019–319–2019–3426–2424–1827–2441–24
Weston-super-Mare 12–2212–5823–4319–6938–2840–257–2825–5333–1410–4131–33
Updated to match(es) played on 6 April 2024. Source: Regional 1 South West
Legend: Blue = home team win; Yellow = draw; Red = away team win.
For upcoming matches, an "a" indicates there is an article about the rivalry between the two participants.

2022–23

Participating teams and locations

TeamGroundCapacityCity/AreaPrevious season
Brixham Astley Park1,800 (300 stand) Brixham, Devon 7th
Camborne Recreation Ground7,000 (780 seats) Camborne, Cornwall 11th
Chew Valley Lobbingtons Chew Magna, Somerset Promoted from South West 1 West (champions)
Devonport Services The Rectory2,000 Devonport, Plymouth, Devon Promoted from South West 1 West (runner-up)
Drybrook Mannings Ground Drybrook, Gloucestershire 10th
Exmouth Imperial Recreation Ground1,250 (250 stand) Exmouth, Devon 5th
Ivybridge Cross-in-Hand Ivybridge, Devon 9th
Launceston Polson Bridge3,000 (194 seats) Launceston, Cornwall 6th
Lydney Regentsholme1,500 Lydney, Gloucestershire Promoted from South West 1 West (3rd)
Okehampton Showground1,120 (120 seats) Okehampton, Devon 14th
Old Centralians Saintbridge Sports Centre Gloucester, Gloucestershire 12th
Weston-super-Mare Recreation Ground6,000 Weston-super-Mare, Somerset 4th

Final league table

Regional 1 South West 2022–23
PosTeamPldWDLPFPAPDTBLBPtsQualification
1 Camborne (P)221804815474+34120395Promoted
2 Chew Valley 221606755459+29616383
3 Brixham 221408629572+5712371
4 Devonport Services 22130950751695461
5 Exmouth 2212010592504+887459
6 Ivybridge 22100125826456311556
7 Lydney 2210012507544376652
8 Launceston 2210012494538446652
9 Okehampton 22100124455671226248
10 Weston-super-Mare RFC 2280144916611706543
11 Old Centralians (R)2260164206041845736Relegated
12 Drybrook (R)2250174145671534731
Updated to match(es) played on 26 March 2023. Source: [3]
Rules for classification: 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
    (P) Promoted; (R) Relegated

Results

Home \ Away BRI CAM CHV DEV DRY EXM IVY LAU LYD OKE OCE WSM
Brixham 38–4243–2752–1357–1816–1429–1536–1120–1532–148–1422–26
Camborne 33–3538–2832–1938–044–2478–1839–742–2520–2667–1237–21
Chew Valley 51–2118–1434–3241–2625–2948–2740–926–841–2269–1951–10
Devonport Services 37–1827–3516–1019–1318–1541–2925–2424–1720–2417–1624–22
Drybrook 43–010–3128–3320–3122–3512–1612–299–1236–1418–1621–20
Exmouth 25–4530–3920–1535–2327–1025–1822–1217–1531–1767–1168–14
Ivybridge 24–2526–2929–3018–1337–2615–1331–3034–3942–1829–1845–27
Launceston 17–1820–3930–1418–1333–2029–2444–2722–2817–3836–2214–5
Lydney 50–3343–3515–5313–1813–1041–2322–1022–2757–3320–1417–27
Okehampton 27–715–170–277–2121–1717–2141–2525–2422–819–1728–24
Old Centralians 27–2910–4010–2728–1520–2230–1313–2510–1526–1041–734–23
Weston-super-Mare 29–4422–2613–4736–4124–2127–1424–4228–2619–1722–1028–12
Updated to match(es) played on 25 March 2023. Source: Regional 1 South West
Legend: Blue = home team win; Yellow = draw; Red = away team win.
For upcoming matches, an "a" indicates there is an article about the rivalry between the two participants.

2021–22

The first matches were played on 4 September 2021 and the final league matches on 23 April 2022. [4] Exeter University (as champions), Old Redcliffians (as runner-up) and Hornets (3rd) are all promoted to National League 2 West (formerly National League 2 South). [5] The RFU will announce the format of the tier 5 leagues during the summer of 2022.

Participating teams

Nine of the fourteen teams participated in the previous competition (2019–20). The champions, Barnstaple were promoted to National League 2 South, while Newbury and Bracknell were both relegated to South West 1 East. Maidenhead have been level transferred to London & South East Premier. The teams coming into this season's competition are Old Redcliffians and Bournemouth, both relegated from National League 2 South in 15th and 16th position respectively. Teams promoted into this season's competition are Hornets, champions of South West 1 West, and two teams from South West 1 East, Royal Wootton Bassett and Old Centralians (1st and 2nd respectively).

TeamGroundCapacityCity/AreaPrevious season
Bournemouth Chapel Gate1,500 Bournemouth, Dorset Relegated from National League 2 South
Brixham Astley Park1,800 (300 stand) Brixham, Devon 5th
Camborne Recreation Ground7,000 (780 seats) Camborne, Cornwall 9th
Drybrook Mannings Ground Drybrook, Gloucestershire 7th
Exeter University Topsham Sports Ground Exeter, Devon 6th
Exmouth Imperial Recreation Ground1,250 (250 stand) Exmouth, Devon 10th
Hornets Hutton Moor Park Weston-super-Mare, Somerset Promoted from South West 1 West (champions)
Ivybridge Cross-in-Hand Ivybridge, Devon 8th
Launceston Polson Bridge3,000 (194 seats) Launceston, Cornwall 11th
Okehampton Showground1,120 (120 seats) Okehampton, Devon 4th
Old Centralians Saintbridge Sports Centre Gloucester, Gloucestershire Promoted from South West 1 East (runner-up)
Old Redcliffians Scotland Lane Brislington, Bristol Relegated from National League 2 South
Royal Wootton Bassett Ballard's Ash5,000 Royal Wootton Bassett, Wiltshire Promoted from South West 1 East (champions)
Weston-super-Mare Recreation Ground6,000 Weston-super-Mare, Somerset 2nd

Final league table

2021–22 South West Premier table
PosTeamPldWDLPFPAPDTBLBPts
1Exeter University (P)2623031132501+631222116
2Old Redcliffians (P)262303989517+472211114
3Hornets (P)262204890517+373172107
4Weston-super-Mare261808726485+24112488
5Exmouth26141116396571811574
6Launceston261101560272812612864
7Brixham261011558269511312660
8Bournemouth26100166396632411960
9Ivybridge2691167468348816660
10Drybrook26111145426621206658
11Camborne2690175828182368549
12Old Centralians26721761986424511447
13Royal Wootton Bassett2661195038633605435
14Okehampton2651205098963876331
Updated to match(es) played on 3 May 2022. Source: [6]
Rules for classification: 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
    (P) Promoted

2020–21

Due to the ongoing pandemic, the 2020–21 season was cancelled.

2019–20

The season ended before all the matches were completed because of the coronavirus pandemic and the RFU used a best playing record formula to decide the final table. [7] Barnstaple are the champions.

Participating teams

Ten of the thirteen teams participated in last season's competition. They are joined by three promoted sides; Launceston, Newbury Blues and Okehampton. [8] [9] [10] Bournemouth were promoted to National League 2 South, while relegated sides included Newton Abbot and Cleve (both South West 1 West), and Old Patesians (South West 1 East). Initially, Bromsgrove were due to be level transferred from Midlands Premier but the withdrawal of Birmingham & Solihull from the league system meant that they stayed put, leaving South West Premier with just thirteen teams. [11]

TeamGroundCapacityCity/AreaPrevious season
Barnstaple Pottingham Road2,000 (575 seats) Barnstaple, Devon Runners up (lost playoff)
Bracknell Lily Hill1,250 (250 seats) Bracknell, Berkshire 10th
Brixham Astley Park1,800 (300 stand) Brixham, Devon 8th
Camborne Recreation Ground7,000 (780 seats) Camborne, Cornwall 9th
Drybrook Mannings Ground Drybrook, Gloucestershire 11th
Exeter University Topsham Sports Ground Exeter, Devon 4th
Exmouth Imperial Recreation Ground1,250 (250 stand) Exmouth, Devon 6th
Ivybridge Cross-in-Hand Ivybridge, Devon 5th
Launceston Polson Bridge3,000 (194 seats) Launceston, Cornwall Promoted from South West 1 West (playoff)
Maidenhead Braywick Park1,750 (250 seats) Maidenhead, Berkshire 3rd
Newbury Blues Monk's Lane8,000 Newbury, Berkshire Promoted from South West 1 East (champions)
Okehampton Showground1,120 (120 seats) Okehampton, Devon Promoted from South West 1 West (champions)
Weston-super-Mare Recreation Ground6,000 Weston-super-Mare, Somerset 7th

Final league table

2018–19

Participating teams

Nine of the fourteen teams participated in last season's competition. They are joined by Barnstaple, who were relegated from National League 2 South, and by three promoted sides; Drybrook, Exeter University and Old Patesians. [13] [14] [15] [16] Dings Crusaders (last seasons champions) were promoted to National League 2 South, while Hornets and Lydney were both relegated to South West 1 West, and Newbury Blues relegated to South West 1 East.

TeamGroundCapacityCity/AreaPrevious season
Barnstaple Pottingham Road2,000 (575 seats) Barnstaple, Devon Relegated from National 2 South (14th)
Bournemouth Chapel Gate1,500 Bournemouth, Dorset Runners up (lost play-off)
Bracknell Lily Hill1,250 (250 seats) Bracknell, Berkshire 5th
Brixham Astley Park1,800 (300 stand) Brixham, Devon 10th
Camborne Recreation Ground7,000 (780 seats) Camborne, Cornwall 7th
Cleve The Hayfields Mangotsfield, Gloucestershire 6th
Drybrook Mannings Ground Drybrook, Gloucestershire Promoted from South West 1 West (champions)
Exeter University Topsham Sports Ground Exeter, Devon Promoted from South West 1 West (play-off)
Exmouth Imperial Recreation Ground1,250 (250 stand) Exmouth, Devon 11th
Ivybridge Cross-in-Hand Ivybridge, Devon 9th
Maidenhead Braywick Park1,750 (250 seats) Maidenhead, Berkshire 3rd
Newton Abbot Rackerhayes1,150 (150 stand) Newton Abbot, Devon 4th
Old Patesians Everest Road Cheltenham, Gloucestershire Promoted from South West 1 East (champions)
Weston-super-Mare Recreation Ground6,000 Weston-super-Mare, Somerset 8th

Final league table

2018–19 South West Premier table
PosTeamPldWDLPFPAPDTBLBPts
1 Bournemouth (P)262501999352+647180118
2 Barnstaple (Q)261916747541+20612191
3 Maidenhead 261619750581+16916486
4 Exeter University 2615110776650+12613580
5 Ivybridge 2615011656601+5514478
6 Exmouth 2613211698684+1415475
7 Weston-super-Mare 2612311765619+14614573
8 Brixham 2612113742642+10014771
9 Camborne 26120147077463915770
10 Bracknell 261301359760149465
11 Drybrook 2612014533621886256
12 Cleve (R)26602064284119911843
13 Newton Abbot (R)26412154394039771035
14 Old Patesians (R)26302339811347364319
Updated to match(es) played on 9 January 2021. Source: [17]
Rules for classification: 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
    (P) Promoted; (Q) Qualified for promotion play-off; (R) Relegated

Promotion play-off

Each season, the runners-up in the South West Premier (formerly National League 3 South West) and London & South East Premier (National League 3 London & South East) participate in a play-off for the third promotion place to National League 2 South. The team with the best playing record, in this case Westcliff, hosted the match and beat their opponents Barnstaple 44 – 5 to win promotion to National League 2 South for the first time. This was Westcliff's first appearance in the play-offs and Barnstaple's second; in 2016 Barnstaple beat Tonbridge Juddians 31 – 30 at Tonbridge. The home team have won fifteen out of 19 play-off matches and the south-east team have won the play-off thirteen times.

TeamPldWDLPFPAPDTBLBPts
Westcliff (P)261907808425+38317598
Barnstaple 261916747541+20612191
Source: [17]
(P) Promoted
27 April 2019
Westcliff44 – 5Barnstaple
Westcliff [18]
The Gables, Eastwood
Attendance: 750

2017–18

Participating teams

Ten of the fourteen teams participated in last season's competition (when it was known as National League 3 South West). They are joined by Exmouth, who were relegated from National League 2 South, and by three promoted sides; Weston-super-Mare, Maidenhead and Newbury Blues. [19] [20] [21] [22] Old Redcliffians (champions) were promoted to National League 2 South, while Launceston were relegated to (South West 1 West), Salisbury to (South West 1 East) and Bromsgrove to (Midlands 1 West). [23] [24] [25] [26]

TeamGroundCapacityCity/AreaPrevious season
Bournemouth Chapel Gate1,500 Bournemouth, Dorset 5th
Bracknell Lily Hill1,250 (250 seats) Bracknell, Berkshire 9th
Brixham Astley Park1,800 (300 stand) Brixham, Devon 7th
Camborne Recreation Ground7,000 (780 seats) Camborne, Cornwall 3rd
Cleve The Hayfields Mangotsfield, Gloucestershire 10th
Dings Crusaders Shaftsbury Park2,250 (250 seats) Frenchay, Bristol 2nd (lost play-off)
Exmouth Imperial Recreation Ground1,250 (250 stand) Exmouth, DevonRelegated from National League 2 South (16th)
Hornets Hutton Moor Park Weston-super-Mare, Somerset 8th
Ivybridge Cross-in-Hand Ivybridge, Devon 6th
Lydney Regentsholm1,500 Lydney, Gloucestershire 11th
Maidenhead Braywick Park1,750 (250 seats) Maidenhead, Berkshire Promoted from South West 1 East (champions)
Newbury Blues Monk's Lane8,000 Newbury, BerkshirePromoted from South West 1 East (play-offs)
Newton Abbot Rackerhayes1,150 (150 stand) Newton Abbot, Devon 4th
Weston-super-Mare Recreation Ground6,000 Weston-super-Mare, SomersetPromoted from South West 1 West (champions)

Final league table

2017–18 South West Premier table
PosTeamPldWDLPFPAPDTBLBPts
1 Ding Crusaders (P)262006837438+399164100
2 Bournemouth (Q)261718761635+1269483
3 Maidenhead 26130137808254518474
4 Newton Abbot 2613013858713+14514571
5 Bracknell 26123116356531810569
6 Cleve 2612113693699612769
7 Camborne 2614012578558+206466
8 Weston-super-Mare 26112136527055314466
9 Ivybridge 2613112639620+1910665 [lower-alpha 1]
10 Brixham 2612212630619+118565
11 Exmouth 26121137067373111465
12 Newbury Blues (R)2613013569522+477564
13 Hornets (R)2681175369333979245
14 Lydney (R)2660205167332177637
Updated to match(es) played on 2 January 2021. Source: [27]
Rules for classification: 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
    (P) Promoted; (Q) Qualified for promotion playoff; (R) Relegated
    Notes:
  1. 5 points deducted?

Promotion play-off

Each season, the runners-up in the South West Premier (formerly National League 3 South West) and London & South East Premier (formerly National League 3 London & SE) participate in a play-off for the third promotion place to National League 2 South. The team with the best playing record, in this case Guernsey, hosted the match and beat their opponents Bournemouth 38 – 23 to win promotion. This was Guernsey's first appearance in the play-offs and Bournemouth's second. Bournemouth's previous appearance was in 2011 when they lost to Hertford 23 – 22.

TeamPldWDLPFPAPDTBLBPts
Guernsey (P)262204962446+516193110
Bournemouth 261718761635+1269483
Source: [ citation needed ]
(P) Promoted
28 April 2018
15:00
Guernsey38 – 23Bournemouth
Guernsey
Bournemouth
Footes Lane

2016–17

Nine of the fourteen teams participated in last season's competition. They are joined by Launceston who were relegated from National League 2 South, and by two promoted sides: Camborne and Salisbury. Exmouth (champions) and Barnstaple (play-off) were promoted to National League 2 South, while Chippenham were relegated to South West 1 West, and Old Patesians and Old Centralians to South West 1 East. To address a league imbalance due to only one team coming down from National League 2 South, both Bromsgrove and Bracknell have been level transferred into the league from National League 3 Midlands and National League 3 London & SE respectively, Bromsgrove having finished 9th and Bracknell 11th. [28] [29]

TeamGroundCapacityCity/AreaPrevious season
Bournemouth Chapel Gate1,500 Bournemouth, Dorset 5th
Bracknell Lily Hill1,250 (250 seats) Bracknell, Berkshire level transfer from National League 3 London & SE (11th)
Brixham Astley Park1,800 (300 stand) Brixham, Devon 4th
Bromsgrove Finstall Park Bromsgrove, Worcestershire level transfer from National League 3 Midlands (9th)
Camborne Recreation Ground7,000 (780 seats) Camborne, Cornwall promoted from South West 1 West (champions)
Cleve The Hayfields Mangotsfield, Gloucestershire 9th
Dings Crusaders Landseer Avenue1,500 Lockleaze, Bristol 10th
Hornets Hutton Moor Park [30] Weston-super-Mare, Somerset 7th
Ivybridge Cross-in-Hand Ivybridge, Devon 8th
Launceston Polson Bridge3,000 (194 seats) Launceston, Cornwall relegated from 2015–16 National League 2 South (16th)
Lydney Regentsholm1,500 Lydney, Gloucestershire 3rd
Newton Abbot Rackerhayes1,150 (150 stand) Newton Abbot, Devon 11th
Old Redcliffians Scotland Lane [30] Brislington, Bristol 6th
Salisbury Castle Road1,500 Salisbury, Wiltshire promoted from South West 1 East (play-off)

Final league table

2016–17 National League 3 South West table
PosTeamPldWDLPFPAPDTBLBPts
1 Old Redcliffians (P)262213737467+270142106
2 Ding Crusaders (Q)261907676448+2288387
3 Camborne 261619685547+13812477 [lower-alpha 1]
4 Newton Abbot 26141117027171511675
5 Bournemouth 2612311777551+22611772
6 Ivybridge 2614012646618+2810571
7 Brixham 2613211590594410571
8 Hornets 2613013714559+15513469
9 Bracknell 2614012568625578468
10 Cleve 2613013643616+2710365
11 Lydney 26100164546531997451
12 Launceston (R)2671183906192292941
13 Salisbury (R)2670195008073074739
14 Bromsgrove (R)26312251177226141129
Updated to match(es) played on 28 April 2017. Source: [31]
Rules for classification: 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
    (P) Promoted; (Q) Qualified for the promotion playoff; (R) Relegated
    Notes:
  1. 5 points deducted?

Promotion play-off

Each season, the runners-up in the National League 3 London & SE, and National League 3 South West participate in a play-off for the third promotion place to National League 2 South. The team with the best playing record, in this case Wimbledon, hosted the match and destroyed their opponents Dings Crusaders 55 – 5 to win promotion.

TeamPldWDLPFPAPDTBLBPts
Wimbledon (P)262303936399+537212115
Dings Crusaders 261907676448+2288387
Source: [ citation needed ]
(P) Promoted
29 April 2017
15:00
Wimbledon55 – 5Dings Crusaders
Wimbledon
Dings
Beverley Meads
Attendance: 350

2015–16

Nine of the fourteen teams participated in last season's competition. They are joined by two teams relegated from National League 2 South, Dings Crusaders and Lydney; and by three promoted teams Cleve, Chippenham and Ivybridge. The teams leaving the league were the 2014–15 champions, Redingensians who were promoted to National League 2 South and the relegated teams, Chard and Weston-super-Mare to play in South West 1 West, and Oxford Harlequins to South West 1 East. Bracknell, who finished 3rd last season, transferred to National League 3 London and SE.

Participating teams

TeamGroundCapacityCity/AreaPrevious season
Barnstaple Pottington Road2,000 (575 seats) Barnstaple, Devon 8th
Bournemouth Chapel Gate1,500 Bournemouth, Dorset 9th
Brixham Astley Park1,800 (300 stand) Brixham, Devon5th
Cleve The Hayfields Mangotsfield, Gloucestershire promoted from South West 1 West (champions)
Chippenham Allington Fields Chippenham, Wiltshire promoted from South West 1 East (champions)
Dings Crusaders Landseer Avenue1,500 Lockleaze, Bristolrelegated from 2014–15 National League 2 South (16th)
Exmouth Imperial Recreation Ground1,250 (250 stand) Exmouth, Devon2nd
Hornets Hutton Moor Park [30] Weston-super-Mare, Somerset 6th
Ivybridge Cross-in-Hand Ivybridge, Devonpromoted from South West 1 West (play-off)
Lydney Regentsholm1,500 Lydney, Gloucestershire relegated from 2014–15 National League 2 South (14th)
Newton Abbot Rackerhayes1,150 (150 stand) Newton Abbot, Devon7th
Old Centralians Saintbridge Sports Centre Gloucester, Gloucestershire4th
Old Patesians Everest Road Cheltenham, Gloucestershire10th
Old Redcliffians Scotland Lane [30] Brislington, Bristol11th

Final league table

2015–16 National League 3 South West table
PosTeamPldWDLPFPAPDTBLBPts
1 Exmouth (C, P)262105921466+455172103
2 Barnstaple (Q, P)262024715378+33712298
3 Lydney 261619547488+599479
4 Brixham 2616010553517+369477
5 Bournemouth 2615011630441+1898775
6 Old Redcliffians 261529474437+377475
7 Hornets 2613211647508+13913574
8 Ivybridge 2614012518467+517770
9 Cleve 2612113598595+310363
10 Ding Crusaders 2611015485568835453
11 Newton Abbot 269017573560+1361153
12 Old Centralians (R)26110154946001066252
13 Old Patesians (R)2630234669504845522
14 Chippenham (R)2620243539996464315
Updated to match(es) played on 30 April 2016. Source: "National League 3 South West". England Rugby.
Rules for classification: 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
    (C) Champion; (P) Promoted; (Q) Qualified for the promotion playoff; (R) Relegated

Promotion play-off

Each season, the runners-up in the National League 3 London and SE, and National League 3 South West participate in a play-off for promotion to National League 2 South. The team with the best playing record, in this case Tonbridge Juddians, host the match and their opponents were Barnstaple, who won the match 30  31, scoring the winning points with a penalty in the last seconds of the match. [32]

TeamPldWDLPFPAPDTBLBPts
Tonbridge Juddians 262114833395+438132101
Barnstaple (P)262024715378+33712298
Source: [ citation needed ]
(P) Promoted

30 April 2016
15:00
Tonbridge Juddians30 – 31Barnstaple
Juddians
Barnstaple
The Slade
Attendance: 600
Referee: Matt Turvey

2014–15

Participating teams

TeamGroundCapacityCity/AreaPrevious season
Barnstaple Pottington Road2,000 (575 seats) Barnstaple, Devon 8th
Bournemouth Chapel Gate1,500 Bournemouth, Dorset relegated from National League 2 South
Bracknell Lily Hill Park1,250 Bracknell, Berkshire 3rd
Brixham Astley Park1,800 (300 stand) Brixham, Devon7th
Chard The Park, Essex Close [30] Chard, Somerset promoted from South West 1 West
Exmouth Imperial Recreation Ground1,250 (250 stand) Exmouth, Devonrelegated from National League 2 South
Hornets Hutton Moor Park [30] Weston-super-Mare, Somersetpromoted from South West 1 West
Newton Abbot Rackerhayes1,150 (150 stand) Newton Abbot, Devon4th
Old Centralians Saintbridge Sports Centre Gloucester, Gloucestershire 11th
Old Patesians Everest Road Cheltenham, Gloucestershire10th
Old Redcliffians Scotland Lane [30] Brislington, Bristol 6th
Oxford Harlequins Marston Ferry Road North Hinksey, Oxfordshire promoted from South West 1 East
Redingensians Old Bath Road Sonning, Berkshire2nd
Weston-super-Mare Recreation Ground [30] 6,000 Weston-super-Mare, Somerset9th

Final league table

2014–15 National League 3 South West
PosTeamPldWDLPFPAPDTBLBPts
1 Redingensians (C, P)262204934359+575182108
2 Exmouth (Q)262105820426+39413299
3 Bracknell 261709747565+18213687
4 Old Centralians 261817672551+1217384
5 Brixham 261709692577+11512484
6 Hornets 2616010695557+13813582
7 Newton Abbot 26111146546701611764
8 Barnstaple 2611213605582+2310563
9 Bournemouth 2611114590630409459
10 Old Patesians 26911653375522210654
11 Old Redcliffians 26102144396422032450
12 Weston-super-Mare (R)2670194696521835639
13 Oxford Harlequins (R)2660204318253946333
14 Chard (R)2620244098994902414
Updated to match(es) played on 4 May 2015. Source: "National League 3 South West". England Rugby.
Rules for classification: 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
    (C) Champion; (P) Promoted; (Q) Qualified for promotion playoff; (R) Relegated

Promotion play-off

Each season, the runners-up in the National League 3 London and SE, and National League 3 South West participate in a play-off for promotion to National League 2 South. The team with the best playing record, in this case Exmouth, hosts the match; their opponents were Barnes and the match was played on 25 April 2015. At the end of full-time the match score was 22 – 22, and Barnes scored the only points in extra-time, to win the match 27– 22. [33]

TeamPldWDLPFPAPDTBLBPts
Exmouth 262105820426+39413299
Barnes (P)261907638492+14613291
Source: [ citation needed ]
(P) Promoted
25 April 2015
14:30
Exmouth22 – 27Barnes
Imperial Recreation Ground
Attendance: 1,000

After extra time (80 mins: 22 – 22)

2013–14

League winners

Relegated

Transferred

Final league table

2013–14 National League 3 South West Final table
PosTeamPldWDLPFPAPDTBLBPts
1 Lydney (C, P)262411919385+534201119
2 Redingensians 262024719363+356162102
3 Bracknell 261916706425+28114395
4 Newton Abbot 2615011663603+6012375
5 Amersham & Chiltern RFC 2612113595409+18613669
6 O Redcliffians 2614210501500+16268
7 Brixham 26130135916182710668
8 Barnstaple 2613112508585777263
9 Weston-super-Mare 2611015612645338658
10 O Patesians 2690175167782629550
11 O Centralians 2691165006401407646 [lower-alpha 1]
12 Worcester Wanderers (R)2690174406962567346
13 Avonmouth Old Boys (R)2651203736172442731
14 Chippenham (R)2640223817603795627
Updated to match(es) played on 9 May 2014. Source: [34] [35]
Rules for classification: 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
    (C) Champion; (P) Promoted; (R) Relegated
    Notes:
  1. Old Centralians deducted 5 points

2012–13

2011–12

2010–11

2009–10

The first season as a national league

2007–08

2007–08 South West Division 1 table
PosTeamPldWDLPFPAPDPts
1 Chinnor 221921665317+34840
2 Bracknell 221903640292+34838
3 Weston-super-Mare 221318496413+8327
4 Cleve 221309469417+5226
5 Bournemouth 2211110520405+11521 [lower-alpha 1]
6 Old Patesians 229211477362+11520
7 Oxford Harlequins 229211472452+2018 [lower-alpha 1]
8 Redingensians 2290134034595618
9 Coney Hill 22901341153412318
10 Reading 22721348358710416
11 Maidenhead 22711441658416815
12 St Ives (SW)*2211201587886301 [lower-alpha 2]
Updated to match(es) played on 2008 April 19. Source: rfu.com
Notes:
  1. 1 2 Oxford Harlequins and Bournemouth were deducted two points each for fielding ineligible players
  2. St Ives were deducted two points for failing to field a team against Bracknell

Original teams

When league rugby began in 1987 this division contained the following teams:

Regional 1 South West honours

In the first season of the English rugby union league pyramid, sponsored by Courage, there was four, tier five leagues. The geographical area for teams in South West Division One covered an area of south-west England from Oxfordshire and Berkshire in the east to Cornwall in the west. There were eleven teams in the league and they played each team once, giving each team ten matches. The other tier five leagues were London 1, Midlands 1 and North 1. [36] This system prevailed for five seasons, and in 1992–93 the number of teams increased from eleven to thirteen. The following season (1993–94) the league was reorganised and the four tier five leagues became two; National 5 North and National 5 South. [37] After three seasons, in 1996–97, a further reorganisation occurred, and there was a return to four, tier five leagues; with South West Division One covering the area of south-west England from Berkshire westwards. [38] This system prevailed until 2009–10 when the number of teams was increased from twelve to fourteen and renamed National League Three South West. There was a name change for the beginning of season 2017–18 when the division was renamed the South West Premier.

South West 1 (1987–1993)

The original South West 1 was a tier 5 league with promotion up to Area League 2 South and relegation down to South West 2 (presently split into two leagues known as South West 1 East and South West 1 West).

South West 1
SeasonNo of teamsNo of matchesChampionsRunners-upRelegated teamsRef
1987–881110 Redruth High Wycombe Bournemouth [39]
1988–891110 Clifton High Wycombe Torquay Athletic, Bridgwater & Albion [36]
1989–901110 Maidenhead Weston-super-Mare Oxford [36]
1990–911110 High Wycombe Reading Matson, Stroud, Taunton [36]
1991–921110 Berry Hill Cinderford No relegation [40]
1992–931312 Reading Henley Penryn [41]

South West 1 (1993–96)

The top six teams from South West 1 and the top six from London 1 were combined to create National 5 South. South West 1 dropped to become a tier six league and was one of two feeder leagues for National 5 South. Relegation continued to South West 2 (currently South West 1 East and South West 1 West).

South West 1
SeasonNo of teamsNo of matchesChampionsRunners-upRelegated teamsRef
1993–941312 Henley Cheltenham Gordon League [42]
1994–951312 Cheltenham Newbury Stroud [43]
1995–961312 Newbury Gloucester Old Boys Cinderford [44]

South West 1 (1996–2009)

At the end of the 1995–96 season National 5 South was discontinued and South West 1 returned to being a tier 5 league. Promotion was up to National 4 South (now known as National League 2 South), while the splitting of South West 2 into two regional divisions, meant that relegation was now down to either South West 2 East or South West 2 West (currently South West 1 East / South West 1 West).

South West 1
SeasonNo of teamsNo of matchesChampionsRunners-upRelegated teamsRef
1996–971222 Bridgwater & Albion Launceston Brixham, Camborne [45]
1997–981222 Bracknell Launceston High Wycombe, St Ives [46]
1998–991222 Penzance & Newlyn Launceston Salisbury [47]
1999–001222 Launceston Keynsham Matson, Stroud [48]
2000–011222 Old Patesians Cinderford Berry Hill, Truro, Torquay Athletic, Gloucester Old Boys [49]
2001–021222 Weston-super-Mare Dings Crusaders Stroud, Maidenhead, Swanage & Warham, Dorcester [50]
2002–031222 Dings Crusaders Reading Berry Hill, Marlow [51]
2003–041222 Reading Cinderford Barnstaple, Truro [52]
2004–051222 Cinderford Bridgwater & Albion St Mary's Old Boys, Gloucester Old Boys, Keynsham [53]
2005–061222 Chinnor Clifton Penryn, Cheltenham, Spartans [54]
2006–071222 Mounts Bay Cleve Chippenham, Clevedon, Reading Abbey [55]
2007–081222 Chinnor Bracknell Reading, Maidenhead, St Ives [56]
2008–091222 Clifton Bracknell No relegation [57]

National League 3 South West (2009–2017)

The division was renamed National League 3 South West following a restructuring of the national leagues which led to changes at all levels. It remained a tier 5 league with promotion up to National League 2 South (formerly National League 3 South) and relegation to either South West 1 East or South West 1 West (formerly South West 2 East / South West 2 West).

National League 3 South West
SeasonNo of teamsNo of matchesChampionsRunners-upRelegated teamsRef
2009–101426 Taunton Old Patesians Maidenhead, Chippenham, Reading [58]
2010–111426 Hartpury College Bournemouth Cleve, Coney Hill, Cheltenham [59]
2011–121426 Bournemouth Chinnor Bridgwater & Albion, Newbury Blues, Old Redcliffians [60]
2012–131426 London Irish Amateur Exmouth Maidenhead, Oxford Harlequins, Malvern [61]
2013–141426 Lydney Redingensians Chippenham, Avonmouth Old Boys, Worcester Wanderers [62]
2014–151426 Redingensians Exmouth Chard, Oxford Harlequins, Weston-super-Mare [63]
2015–161426 Exmouth Barnstaple Chippenham, Old Patesians, Old Centralians [64]
2016–171426 Old Redcliffians Dings Crusaders Bromsgrove, Salisbury, Launceston [65]
Green background are the promotion places.

South West Premier (2017–2022)

For the 2017–18 season all divisions at tier 5 were renamed from National League 3 to Premier meaning that National League 3 South West became known as South West Premier. [1] Promotion continued to National League 2 South and relegation to either South West 1 East or South West 1 West.

South West Premier
SeasonNo of teamsNo of matchesChampionsRunners-upRelegated teamsRef
2017–181426 Dings Crusaders Bournemouth Lydney, Hornets, Newbury Blues [66]
2018–191426 Bournemouth Barnstaple Old Patesians, Newton Abbot, Cleve [67]
2019–2013 [lower-alpha 1] 20 [lower-alpha 2] Barnstaple Weston-super-Mare Bracknell, Newbury Blues [70]
2020–211426Cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom.
2021–221426 Exeter University Old Redcliffians Hornets also promoted.
Green background are the promotion places.

Regional 1 South West (2022–)

From 2022–33 season the number of tier 5 leagues was increased from four to six.

Regional 1 South West
SeasonNo of teamsNo of matchesChampionsRunners-upRelegated teamsRef
2022–231222 Camborne Chew Valley Old Centralians and Drybrook [3]
2023–241222 Devonport Services Barnstaple Okehampton and Weston-super-Mare [71] [3]

Promotion play-offs

From 2000–01 season there was a promotion play-off game between the runners-up of London & South East Premier and South West Premier for the third and final promotion place to National League 2 South; with the team with the superior league record having home advantage. As of the 2018–19 season, the London and south-east teams have been most successful with thirteen wins to the south-west teams six, while the home side have won fifteen of the nineteen ties. The last play-off was in 2018–19, with the next two seasons cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom and following the increase of leagues at this level to three, only the champions are promoted.

South West Premier v London & South East Premier promotion play-off results
SeasonHome teamScoreAway teamVenueAttendanceReference
2000–01 Cinderford (SW)26–10 Havant (LSE)Dockham Road, Cinderford, Gloucestershire
2001–02 Basingstoke (LSE)29–13 Dings Crusaders (SW)Down Grange, Basingstoke, Hampshire [72]
2002–03 Haywards Heath (LSE)34–21 Reading (SW)Whiteman's Green, Cuckfield, West Sussex [73] [74]
2003–04 Hertford (LSE)25–14 Cinderford (SW)Highfields, Ware, Hertfordshire [75]
2004–05 Worthing Raiders (LSE)26–30 Bridgwater & Albion (SW)Roundstone Lane, Angmering, West Sussex 1,200 [76] [77]
2005–06 Richmond (LSE)3–12 Clifton (SW) Athletic Ground, Richmond, Greater London 1,100 [78] [79]
2006–07 Ealing Trailfinders (LSE)48–16 Cleve (SW) Trailfinders Sports Ground, Ealing, Greater London [80] [81]
2007–08 Worthing Raiders (LSE)18–5 Bracknell (SW)Roundstone Lane, Angmering, West Sussex [82] [83]
2008–09 Barnes (LSE)39–18 Bracknell (SW) Barn Elms, Barnes, Greater London [84] [85]
2009–10 Old Albanian (LSE)15–0 Old Patesians (SW)Woollam Playing Fields, St Albans, Hertfordshire [86] [87]
2010–11 Hertford (LSE)23–22 Bournemouth (SW)Highfields, Ware, Hertfordshire 1,000 [88] [89]
2011–12 Chinnor (SW)19–8 Tonbridge Juddian (LSE)Kingsey Road, Thame, Oxfordshire [90] [91]
2012–13 Exmouth (SW)21–20 Dorking (LSE)Imperial Recreation Ground, Exmouth, Devon [92] [93]
2013–14 Old Elthamians (LSE)17–10 Redingensians (SW)Queen Mary Sports Ground, Chislehurst, Kent 1,350 [94] [95]
2014–15 Exmouth (SW)22–27 (aet) Barnes (LSE)Imperial Recreation Ground, Exmouth, Devon 1,000 [96] [97]
2015–16 Tonbridge Juddian (LSE)30–31 Barnstaple (SW)The Slade, Tonbridge, Kent 600 [98] [99]
2016–17 Wimbledon (LSE)55–5 Dings Crusaders (SW)Beverley Meads, Raynes Park, Greater London 350 [100]
2017–18 Guernsey (LSE)38–23 Bournemouth (SW) Footes Lane, Saint Peter Port, Guernsey [101]
2018–19 Westcliff (LSE)44–5 Barnstaple (SW)The Gables, Eastwood, Essex 750 [102] [103]
2019–20Cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom. Best ranked runner up – Guernsey (LSE) – promoted instead.
2021–22Cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom.
2022–23Cancelled due to national league reorganisation.
Green background represent the promoted teams. (LSE = London & South East teams while SW = South West teams).

Number of league titles

Note

  1. League reduced to 13 teams following the withdrawal of Birmingham & Solihull from Midlands Premier, leaving level 5 with an imbalance of teams. [11]
  2. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom the RFU cancelled all rugby below the Premiership with most clubs in South West Premier having played 20 games, and a best playing record formula was used to decide the final table. [68] [69]
  3. Penzance & Newlyn are now known as the Cornish Pirates.

See also

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