Current season or competition: 2024–25 Regional 1 South West | |
Sport | Rugby union |
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Instituted | 1987 | (as South West 1)
Number of teams | 12 |
Country | 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.
Devonport Services are the current champions.
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:
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.
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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.
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Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | PF | PA | PD | TB | LB | Pts | Qualification |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Devonport Services (C) | 22 | 19 | 0 | 3 | 793 | 403 | +390 | 16 | 2 | 94 | Promoted |
2 | Barnstaple | 22 | 18 | 0 | 4 | 727 | 341 | +386 | 14 | 2 | 88 | |
3 | Chew Valley | 22 | 17 | 0 | 5 | 787 | 426 | +361 | 14 | 2 | 84 | |
4 | Brixham | 22 | 15 | 1 | 6 | 840 | 554 | +286 | 16 | 2 | 80 | |
5 | Launceston | 22 | 13 | 0 | 9 | 616 | 457 | +159 | 11 | 3 | 66 | |
6 | Exmouth | 22 | 11 | 0 | 11 | 517 | 522 | −5 | 8 | 2 | 54 | |
7 | Lydney | 22 | 8 | 0 | 14 | 567 | 642 | −75 | 14 | 4 | 50 | |
8 | St Austell | 22 | 7 | 1 | 14 | 485 | 643 | −158 | 9 | 6 | 45 | |
9 | Ivybridge | 22 | 7 | 0 | 15 | 505 | 786 | −281 | 6 | 4 | 38 | |
10 | Matson | 22 | 7 | 0 | 15 | 432 | 653 | −221 | 9 | 3 | 35 [a] | |
11 | Okehampton (R) | 22 | 5 | 0 | 17 | 414 | 797 | −383 | 3 | 3 | 26 | Relegated |
12 | Weston-super-Mare (R) | 22 | 4 | 0 | 18 | 441 | 900 | −459 | 6 | 2 | 24 |
This was the first season following the RFU Adult Competition Review. [3]
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Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | PF | PA | PD | TB | LB | Pts | Qualification |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Camborne (P) | 22 | 18 | 0 | 4 | 815 | 474 | +341 | 20 | 3 | 95 | Promoted |
2 | Chew Valley | 22 | 16 | 0 | 6 | 755 | 459 | +296 | 16 | 3 | 83 | |
3 | Brixham | 22 | 14 | 0 | 8 | 629 | 572 | +57 | 12 | 3 | 71 | |
4 | Devonport Services | 22 | 13 | 0 | 9 | 507 | 516 | −9 | 5 | 4 | 61 | |
5 | Exmouth | 22 | 12 | 0 | 10 | 592 | 504 | +88 | 7 | 4 | 59 | |
6 | Ivybridge | 22 | 10 | 0 | 12 | 582 | 645 | −63 | 11 | 5 | 56 | |
7 | Lydney | 22 | 10 | 0 | 12 | 507 | 544 | −37 | 6 | 6 | 52 | |
8 | Launceston | 22 | 10 | 0 | 12 | 494 | 538 | −44 | 6 | 6 | 52 | |
9 | Okehampton | 22 | 10 | 0 | 12 | 445 | 567 | −122 | 6 | 2 | 48 | |
10 | Weston-super-Mare RFC | 22 | 8 | 0 | 14 | 491 | 661 | −170 | 6 | 5 | 43 | |
11 | Old Centralians (R) | 22 | 6 | 0 | 16 | 420 | 604 | −184 | 5 | 7 | 36 | Relegated |
12 | Drybrook (R) | 22 | 5 | 0 | 17 | 414 | 567 | −153 | 4 | 7 | 31 |
The first matches were played on 4 September 2021 and the final league matches on 23 April 2022. [5] 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). [6] The RFU will announce the format of the tier 5 leagues during the summer of 2022.
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).
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Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | PF | PA | PD | TB | LB | Pts |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Exeter University (P) | 26 | 23 | 0 | 3 | 1132 | 501 | +631 | 22 | 2 | 116 |
2 | Old Redcliffians (P) | 26 | 23 | 0 | 3 | 989 | 517 | +472 | 21 | 1 | 114 |
3 | Hornets (P) | 26 | 22 | 0 | 4 | 890 | 517 | +373 | 17 | 2 | 107 |
4 | Weston-super-Mare | 26 | 18 | 0 | 8 | 726 | 485 | +241 | 12 | 4 | 88 |
5 | Exmouth | 26 | 14 | 1 | 11 | 639 | 657 | −18 | 11 | 5 | 74 |
6 | Launceston | 26 | 11 | 0 | 15 | 602 | 728 | −126 | 12 | 8 | 64 |
7 | Brixham | 26 | 10 | 1 | 15 | 582 | 695 | −113 | 12 | 6 | 60 |
8 | Bournemouth | 26 | 10 | 0 | 16 | 639 | 663 | −24 | 11 | 9 | 60 |
9 | Ivybridge | 26 | 9 | 1 | 16 | 746 | 834 | −88 | 16 | 6 | 60 |
10 | Drybrook | 26 | 11 | 1 | 14 | 542 | 662 | −120 | 6 | 6 | 58 |
11 | Camborne | 26 | 9 | 0 | 17 | 582 | 818 | −236 | 8 | 5 | 49 |
12 | Old Centralians | 26 | 7 | 2 | 17 | 619 | 864 | −245 | 11 | 4 | 47 |
13 | Royal Wootton Bassett | 26 | 6 | 1 | 19 | 503 | 863 | −360 | 5 | 4 | 35 |
14 | Okehampton | 26 | 5 | 1 | 20 | 509 | 896 | −387 | 6 | 3 | 31 |
Due to the ongoing pandemic, the 2020–21 season was cancelled.
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. [8] Barnstaple are the champions.
Ten of the thirteen teams participated in last season's competition. They are joined by three promoted sides; Launceston, Newbury Blues and Okehampton. [9] [10] [11] 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. [12]
Team | Ground | Capacity | City/Area | Previous season |
---|---|---|---|---|
Barnstaple | Pottingham Road | 2,000 (575 seats) | Barnstaple, Devon | Runners up (lost playoff) |
Bracknell | Lily Hill | 1,250 (250 seats) | Bracknell, Berkshire | 10th |
Brixham | Astley Park | 1,800 (300 stand) | Brixham, Devon | 8th |
Camborne | Recreation Ground | 7,000 (780 seats) | Camborne, Cornwall | 9th |
Drybrook | Mannings Ground | Drybrook, Gloucestershire | 11th | |
Exeter University | Topsham Sports Ground | Exeter, Devon | 4th | |
Exmouth | Imperial Recreation Ground | 1,250 (250 stand) | Exmouth, Devon | 6th |
Ivybridge | Cross-in-Hand | Ivybridge, Devon | 5th | |
Launceston | Polson Bridge | 3,000 (194 seats) | Launceston, Cornwall | Promoted from South West 1 West (playoff) |
Maidenhead | Braywick Park | 1,750 (250 seats) | Maidenhead, Berkshire | 3rd |
Newbury Blues | Monk's Lane | 8,000 | Newbury, Berkshire | Promoted from South West 1 East (champions) |
Okehampton | Showground | 1,120 (120 seats) | Okehampton, Devon | Promoted from South West 1 West (champions) |
Weston-super-Mare | Recreation Ground | 3,000 | Weston-super-Mare, Somerset | 7th |
Updated to match(es) played on 7 August 2020. Source: [13] Rules for classification: If teams are level at any stage, tiebreakers are applied in the following order:
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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. [14] [15] [16] [17] 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.
Team | Ground | Capacity | City/Area | Previous season |
---|---|---|---|---|
Barnstaple | Pottingham Road | 2,000 (575 seats) | Barnstaple, Devon | Relegated from National 2 South (14th) |
Bournemouth | Chapel Gate | 1,500 | Bournemouth, Dorset | Runners up (lost play-off) |
Bracknell | Lily Hill | 1,250 (250 seats) | Bracknell, Berkshire | 5th |
Brixham | Astley Park | 1,800 (300 stand) | Brixham, Devon | 10th |
Camborne | Recreation Ground | 7,000 (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 Ground | 1,250 (250 stand) | Exmouth, Devon | 11th |
Ivybridge | Cross-in-Hand | Ivybridge, Devon | 9th | |
Maidenhead | Braywick Park | 1,750 (250 seats) | Maidenhead, Berkshire | 3rd |
Newton Abbot | Rackerhayes | 1,150 (150 stand) | Newton Abbot, Devon | 4th |
Old Patesians | Everest Road | Cheltenham, Gloucestershire | Promoted from South West 1 East (champions) | |
Weston-super-Mare | Recreation Ground | 3,000 | Weston-super-Mare, Somerset | 8th |
Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | PF | PA | PD | TB | LB | Pts |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Bournemouth (P) | 26 | 25 | 0 | 1 | 999 | 352 | +647 | 18 | 0 | 118 |
2 | Barnstaple (Q) | 26 | 19 | 1 | 6 | 747 | 541 | +206 | 12 | 1 | 91 |
3 | Maidenhead | 26 | 16 | 1 | 9 | 750 | 581 | +169 | 16 | 4 | 86 |
4 | Exeter University | 26 | 15 | 1 | 10 | 776 | 650 | +126 | 13 | 5 | 80 |
5 | Ivybridge | 26 | 15 | 0 | 11 | 656 | 601 | +55 | 14 | 4 | 78 |
6 | Exmouth | 26 | 13 | 2 | 11 | 698 | 684 | +14 | 15 | 4 | 75 |
7 | Weston-super-Mare | 26 | 12 | 3 | 11 | 765 | 619 | +146 | 14 | 5 | 73 |
8 | Brixham | 26 | 12 | 1 | 13 | 742 | 642 | +100 | 14 | 7 | 71 |
9 | Camborne | 26 | 12 | 0 | 14 | 707 | 746 | −39 | 15 | 7 | 70 |
10 | Bracknell | 26 | 13 | 0 | 13 | 597 | 601 | −4 | 9 | 4 | 65 |
11 | Drybrook | 26 | 12 | 0 | 14 | 533 | 621 | −88 | 6 | 2 | 56 |
12 | Cleve (R) | 26 | 6 | 0 | 20 | 642 | 841 | −199 | 11 | 8 | 43 |
13 | Newton Abbot (R) | 26 | 4 | 1 | 21 | 543 | 940 | −397 | 7 | 10 | 35 |
14 | Old Patesians (R) | 26 | 3 | 0 | 23 | 398 | 1134 | −736 | 4 | 3 | 19 |
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.
Team | Pld | W | D | L | PF | PA | PD | TB | LB | Pts |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Westcliff (P) | 26 | 19 | 0 | 7 | 808 | 425 | +383 | 17 | 5 | 98 |
Barnstaple | 26 | 19 | 1 | 6 | 747 | 541 | +206 | 12 | 1 | 91 |
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. [20] [21] [22] [23] 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). [24] [25] [26] [27]
Team | Ground | Capacity | City/Area | Previous season |
---|---|---|---|---|
Bournemouth | Chapel Gate | 1,500 | Bournemouth, Dorset | 5th |
Bracknell | Lily Hill | 1,250 (250 seats) | Bracknell, Berkshire | 9th |
Brixham | Astley Park | 1,800 (300 stand) | Brixham, Devon | 7th |
Camborne | Recreation Ground | 7,000 (780 seats) | Camborne, Cornwall | 3rd |
Cleve | The Hayfields | Mangotsfield, Gloucestershire | 10th | |
Dings Crusaders | Shaftsbury Park | 2,250 (250 seats) | Frenchay, Bristol | 2nd (lost play-off) |
Exmouth | Imperial Recreation Ground | 1,250 (250 stand) | Exmouth, Devon | Relegated from National League 2 South (16th) |
Hornets | Hutton Moor Park | 1,100 (100 stand) | Weston-super-Mare, Somerset | 8th |
Ivybridge | Cross-in-Hand | Ivybridge, Devon | 6th | |
Lydney | Regentsholm | 1,500 | Lydney, Gloucestershire | 11th |
Maidenhead | Braywick Park | 1,750 (250 seats) | Maidenhead, Berkshire | Promoted from South West 1 East (champions) |
Newbury Blues | Monk's Lane | 8,000 | Newbury, Berkshire | Promoted from South West 1 East (play-offs) |
Newton Abbot | Rackerhayes | 1,150 (150 stand) | Newton Abbot, Devon | 4th |
Weston-super-Mare | Recreation Ground | 3,000 | Weston-super-Mare, Somerset | Promoted from South West 1 West (champions) |
Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | PF | PA | PD | TB | LB | Pts |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Ding Crusaders (P) | 26 | 20 | 0 | 6 | 837 | 438 | +399 | 16 | 4 | 100 |
2 | Bournemouth (Q) | 26 | 17 | 1 | 8 | 761 | 635 | +126 | 9 | 4 | 83 |
3 | Maidenhead | 26 | 13 | 0 | 13 | 780 | 825 | −45 | 18 | 4 | 74 |
4 | Newton Abbot | 26 | 13 | 0 | 13 | 858 | 713 | +145 | 14 | 5 | 71 |
5 | Bracknell | 26 | 12 | 3 | 11 | 635 | 653 | −18 | 10 | 5 | 69 |
6 | Cleve | 26 | 12 | 1 | 13 | 693 | 699 | −6 | 12 | 7 | 69 |
7 | Camborne | 26 | 14 | 0 | 12 | 578 | 558 | +20 | 6 | 4 | 66 |
8 | Weston-super-Mare | 26 | 11 | 2 | 13 | 652 | 705 | −53 | 14 | 4 | 66 |
9 | Ivybridge | 26 | 13 | 1 | 12 | 639 | 620 | +19 | 10 | 6 | 65 [a] |
10 | Brixham | 26 | 12 | 2 | 12 | 630 | 619 | +11 | 8 | 5 | 65 |
11 | Exmouth | 26 | 12 | 1 | 13 | 706 | 737 | −31 | 11 | 4 | 65 |
12 | Newbury Blues (R) | 26 | 13 | 0 | 13 | 569 | 522 | +47 | 7 | 5 | 64 |
13 | Hornets (R) | 26 | 8 | 1 | 17 | 536 | 933 | −397 | 9 | 2 | 45 |
14 | Lydney (R) | 26 | 6 | 0 | 20 | 516 | 733 | −217 | 7 | 6 | 37 |
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.
Team | Pld | W | D | L | PF | PA | PD | TB | LB | Pts |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Guernsey (P) | 26 | 22 | 0 | 4 | 962 | 446 | +516 | 19 | 3 | 110 |
Bournemouth | 26 | 17 | 1 | 8 | 761 | 635 | +126 | 9 | 4 | 83 |
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. [29] [30]
Team | Ground | Capacity | City/Area | Previous season |
---|---|---|---|---|
Bournemouth | Chapel Gate | 1,500 | Bournemouth, Dorset | 5th |
Bracknell | Lily Hill | 1,250 (250 seats) | Bracknell, Berkshire | level transfer from National League 3 London & SE (11th) |
Brixham | Astley Park | 1,800 (300 stand) | Brixham, Devon | 4th |
Bromsgrove | Finstall Park | Bromsgrove, Worcestershire | level transfer from National League 3 Midlands (9th) | |
Camborne | Recreation Ground | 7,000 (780 seats) | Camborne, Cornwall | promoted from South West 1 West (champions) |
Cleve | The Hayfields | Mangotsfield, Gloucestershire | 9th | |
Dings Crusaders | Landseer Avenue | 1,500 | Lockleaze, Bristol | 10th |
Hornets | Hutton Moor Park [31] | 1,100 (100 stand) | Weston-super-Mare, Somerset | 7th |
Ivybridge | Cross-in-Hand | Ivybridge, Devon | 8th | |
Launceston | Polson Bridge | 3,000 (194 seats) | Launceston, Cornwall | relegated from 2015–16 National League 2 South (16th) |
Lydney | Regentsholm | 1,500 | Lydney, Gloucestershire | 3rd |
Newton Abbot | Rackerhayes | 1,150 (150 stand) | Newton Abbot, Devon | 11th |
Old Redcliffians | Scotland Lane [31] | Brislington, Bristol | 6th | |
Salisbury | Castle Road | 1,500 | Salisbury, Wiltshire | promoted from South West 1 East (play-off) |
Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | PF | PA | PD | TB | LB | Pts |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Old Redcliffians (P) | 26 | 22 | 1 | 3 | 737 | 467 | +270 | 14 | 2 | 106 |
2 | Ding Crusaders (Q) | 26 | 19 | 0 | 7 | 676 | 448 | +228 | 8 | 3 | 87 |
3 | Camborne | 26 | 16 | 1 | 9 | 685 | 547 | +138 | 12 | 4 | 77 [a] |
4 | Newton Abbot | 26 | 14 | 1 | 11 | 702 | 717 | −15 | 11 | 6 | 75 |
5 | Bournemouth | 26 | 12 | 3 | 11 | 777 | 551 | +226 | 11 | 7 | 72 |
6 | Ivybridge | 26 | 14 | 0 | 12 | 646 | 618 | +28 | 10 | 5 | 71 |
7 | Brixham | 26 | 13 | 2 | 11 | 590 | 594 | −4 | 10 | 5 | 71 |
8 | Hornets | 26 | 13 | 0 | 13 | 714 | 559 | +155 | 13 | 4 | 69 |
9 | Bracknell | 26 | 14 | 0 | 12 | 568 | 625 | −57 | 8 | 4 | 68 |
10 | Cleve | 26 | 13 | 0 | 13 | 643 | 616 | +27 | 10 | 3 | 65 |
11 | Lydney | 26 | 10 | 0 | 16 | 454 | 653 | −199 | 7 | 4 | 51 |
12 | Launceston (R) | 26 | 7 | 1 | 18 | 390 | 619 | −229 | 2 | 9 | 41 |
13 | Salisbury (R) | 26 | 7 | 0 | 19 | 500 | 807 | −307 | 4 | 7 | 39 |
14 | Bromsgrove (R) | 26 | 3 | 1 | 22 | 511 | 772 | −261 | 4 | 11 | 29 |
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.
Team | Pld | W | D | L | PF | PA | PD | TB | LB | Pts |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Wimbledon (P) | 26 | 23 | 0 | 3 | 936 | 399 | +537 | 21 | 2 | 115 |
Dings Crusaders | 26 | 19 | 0 | 7 | 676 | 448 | +228 | 8 | 3 | 87 |
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.
Team | Ground | Capacity | City/Area | Previous season |
---|---|---|---|---|
Barnstaple | Pottington Road | 2,000 (575 seats) | Barnstaple, Devon | 8th |
Bournemouth | Chapel Gate | 1,500 | Bournemouth, Dorset | 9th |
Brixham | Astley Park | 1,800 (300 stand) | Brixham, Devon | 5th |
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 Avenue | 1,500 | Lockleaze, Bristol | relegated from 2014–15 National League 2 South (16th) |
Exmouth | Imperial Recreation Ground | 1,250 (250 stand) | Exmouth, Devon | 2nd |
Hornets | Hutton Moor Park [31] | 1,100 (100 stand) | Weston-super-Mare, Somerset | 6th |
Ivybridge | Cross-in-Hand | Ivybridge, Devon | promoted from South West 1 West (play-off) | |
Lydney | Regentsholm | 1,500 | Lydney, Gloucestershire | relegated from 2014–15 National League 2 South (14th) |
Newton Abbot | Rackerhayes | 1,150 (150 stand) | Newton Abbot, Devon | 7th |
Old Centralians | Saintbridge Sports Centre | Gloucester, Gloucestershire | 4th | |
Old Patesians | Everest Road | Cheltenham, Gloucestershire | 10th | |
Old Redcliffians | Scotland Lane [31] | Brislington, Bristol | 11th |
Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | PF | PA | PD | TB | LB | Pts |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Exmouth (C, P) | 26 | 21 | 0 | 5 | 921 | 466 | +455 | 17 | 2 | 103 |
2 | Barnstaple (Q, P) | 26 | 20 | 2 | 4 | 715 | 378 | +337 | 12 | 2 | 98 |
3 | Lydney | 26 | 16 | 1 | 9 | 547 | 488 | +59 | 9 | 4 | 79 |
4 | Brixham | 26 | 16 | 0 | 10 | 553 | 517 | +36 | 9 | 4 | 77 |
5 | Bournemouth | 26 | 15 | 0 | 11 | 630 | 441 | +189 | 8 | 7 | 75 |
6 | Old Redcliffians | 26 | 15 | 2 | 9 | 474 | 437 | +37 | 7 | 4 | 75 |
7 | Hornets | 26 | 13 | 2 | 11 | 647 | 508 | +139 | 13 | 5 | 74 |
8 | Ivybridge | 26 | 14 | 0 | 12 | 518 | 467 | +51 | 7 | 7 | 70 |
9 | Cleve | 26 | 12 | 1 | 13 | 598 | 595 | +3 | 10 | 3 | 63 |
10 | Ding Crusaders | 26 | 11 | 0 | 15 | 485 | 568 | −83 | 5 | 4 | 53 |
11 | Newton Abbot | 26 | 9 | 0 | 17 | 573 | 560 | +13 | 6 | 11 | 53 |
12 | Old Centralians (R) | 26 | 11 | 0 | 15 | 494 | 600 | −106 | 6 | 2 | 52 |
13 | Old Patesians (R) | 26 | 3 | 0 | 23 | 466 | 950 | −484 | 5 | 5 | 22 |
14 | Chippenham (R) | 26 | 2 | 0 | 24 | 353 | 999 | −646 | 4 | 3 | 15 |
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. [33]
Team | Pld | W | D | L | PF | PA | PD | TB | LB | Pts |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tonbridge Juddians | 26 | 21 | 1 | 4 | 833 | 395 | +438 | 13 | 2 | 101 |
Barnstaple (P) | 26 | 20 | 2 | 4 | 715 | 378 | +337 | 12 | 2 | 98 |
30 April 2016 15:00 |
Tonbridge Juddians | 30 – 31 | Barnstaple |
Juddians Barnstaple |
The Slade Attendance: 600 Referee: Matt Turvey |
Team | Ground | Capacity | City/Area | Previous season |
---|---|---|---|---|
Barnstaple | Pottington Road | 2,000 (575 seats) | Barnstaple, Devon | 8th |
Bournemouth | Chapel Gate | 1,500 | Bournemouth, Dorset | relegated from National League 2 South |
Bracknell | Lily Hill Park | 1,250 | Bracknell, Berkshire | 3rd |
Brixham | Astley Park | 1,800 (300 stand) | Brixham, Devon | 7th |
Chard | The Park, Essex Close [31] | Chard, Somerset | promoted from South West 1 West | |
Exmouth | Imperial Recreation Ground | 1,250 (250 stand) | Exmouth, Devon | relegated from National League 2 South |
Hornets | Hutton Moor Park [31] | 1,100 (100 stand) | Weston-super-Mare, Somerset | promoted from South West 1 West |
Newton Abbot | Rackerhayes | 1,150 (150 stand) | Newton Abbot, Devon | 4th |
Old Centralians | Saintbridge Sports Centre | Gloucester, Gloucestershire | 11th | |
Old Patesians | Everest Road | Cheltenham, Gloucestershire | 10th | |
Old Redcliffians | Scotland Lane [31] | Brislington, Bristol | 6th | |
Oxford Harlequins | Marston Ferry Road | North Hinksey, Oxfordshire | promoted from South West 1 East | |
Redingensians | Old Bath Road | Sonning, Berkshire | 2nd | |
Weston-super-Mare | Recreation Ground [31] | 3,000 | Weston-super-Mare, Somerset | 9th |
Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | PF | PA | PD | TB | LB | Pts |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Redingensians (C, P) | 26 | 22 | 0 | 4 | 934 | 359 | +575 | 18 | 2 | 108 |
2 | Exmouth (Q) | 26 | 21 | 0 | 5 | 820 | 426 | +394 | 13 | 2 | 99 |
3 | Bracknell | 26 | 17 | 0 | 9 | 747 | 565 | +182 | 13 | 6 | 87 |
4 | Old Centralians | 26 | 18 | 1 | 7 | 672 | 551 | +121 | 7 | 3 | 84 |
5 | Brixham | 26 | 17 | 0 | 9 | 692 | 577 | +115 | 12 | 4 | 84 |
6 | Hornets | 26 | 16 | 0 | 10 | 695 | 557 | +138 | 13 | 5 | 82 |
7 | Newton Abbot | 26 | 11 | 1 | 14 | 654 | 670 | −16 | 11 | 7 | 64 |
8 | Barnstaple | 26 | 11 | 2 | 13 | 605 | 582 | +23 | 10 | 5 | 63 |
9 | Bournemouth | 26 | 11 | 1 | 14 | 590 | 630 | −40 | 9 | 4 | 59 |
10 | Old Patesians | 26 | 9 | 1 | 16 | 533 | 755 | −222 | 10 | 6 | 54 |
11 | Old Redcliffians | 26 | 10 | 2 | 14 | 439 | 642 | −203 | 2 | 4 | 50 |
12 | Weston-super-Mare (R) | 26 | 7 | 0 | 19 | 469 | 652 | −183 | 5 | 6 | 39 |
13 | Oxford Harlequins (R) | 26 | 6 | 0 | 20 | 431 | 825 | −394 | 6 | 3 | 33 |
14 | Chard (R) | 26 | 2 | 0 | 24 | 409 | 899 | −490 | 2 | 4 | 14 |
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. [34]
Team | Pld | W | D | L | PF | PA | PD | TB | LB | Pts |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Exmouth | 26 | 21 | 0 | 5 | 820 | 426 | +394 | 13 | 2 | 99 |
Barnes (P) | 26 | 19 | 0 | 7 | 638 | 492 | +146 | 13 | 2 | 91 |
25 April 2015 14:30 |
Exmouth | 22 – 27 | Barnes |
Imperial Recreation Ground Attendance: 1,000 |
After extra time (80 mins: 22 – 22)
Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | PF | PA | PD | TB | LB | Pts |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Lydney (C, P) | 26 | 24 | 1 | 1 | 919 | 385 | +534 | 20 | 1 | 119 |
2 | Redingensians | 26 | 20 | 2 | 4 | 719 | 363 | +356 | 16 | 2 | 102 |
3 | Bracknell | 26 | 19 | 1 | 6 | 706 | 425 | +281 | 14 | 3 | 95 |
4 | Newton Abbot | 26 | 15 | 0 | 11 | 663 | 603 | +60 | 12 | 3 | 75 |
5 | Amersham & Chiltern RFC | 26 | 12 | 1 | 13 | 595 | 409 | +186 | 13 | 6 | 69 |
6 | O Redcliffians | 26 | 14 | 2 | 10 | 501 | 500 | +1 | 6 | 2 | 68 |
7 | Brixham | 26 | 13 | 0 | 13 | 591 | 618 | −27 | 10 | 6 | 68 |
8 | Barnstaple | 26 | 13 | 1 | 12 | 508 | 585 | −77 | 7 | 2 | 63 |
9 | Weston-super-Mare | 26 | 11 | 0 | 15 | 612 | 645 | −33 | 8 | 6 | 58 |
10 | O Patesians | 26 | 9 | 0 | 17 | 516 | 778 | −262 | 9 | 5 | 50 |
11 | O Centralians | 26 | 9 | 1 | 16 | 500 | 640 | −140 | 7 | 6 | 46 [a] |
12 | Worcester Wanderers (R) | 26 | 9 | 0 | 17 | 440 | 696 | −256 | 7 | 3 | 46 |
13 | Avonmouth Old Boys (R) | 26 | 5 | 1 | 20 | 373 | 617 | −244 | 2 | 7 | 31 |
14 | Chippenham (R) | 26 | 4 | 0 | 22 | 381 | 760 | −379 | 5 | 6 | 27 |
The first season as a national league
Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | PF | PA | PD | Pts |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Chinnor | 22 | 19 | 2 | 1 | 665 | 317 | +348 | 40 |
2 | Bracknell | 22 | 19 | 0 | 3 | 640 | 292 | +348 | 38 |
3 | Weston-super-Mare | 22 | 13 | 1 | 8 | 496 | 413 | +83 | 27 |
4 | Cleve | 22 | 13 | 0 | 9 | 469 | 417 | +52 | 26 |
5 | Bournemouth | 22 | 11 | 1 | 10 | 520 | 405 | +115 | 21 [a] |
6 | Old Patesians | 22 | 9 | 2 | 11 | 477 | 362 | +115 | 20 |
7 | Oxford Harlequins | 22 | 9 | 2 | 11 | 472 | 452 | +20 | 18 [a] |
8 | Redingensians | 22 | 9 | 0 | 13 | 403 | 459 | −56 | 18 |
9 | Coney Hill | 22 | 9 | 0 | 13 | 411 | 534 | −123 | 18 |
10 | Reading | 22 | 7 | 2 | 13 | 483 | 587 | −104 | 16 |
11 | Maidenhead | 22 | 7 | 1 | 14 | 416 | 584 | −168 | 15 |
12 | St Ives (SW)* | 22 | 1 | 1 | 20 | 158 | 788 | −630 | 1 [b] |
When league rugby began in 1987 this division contained the following teams:
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. [37] 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. [38] 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. [39] 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.
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).
Season | No of teams | No of matches | Champions | Runners-up | Relegated teams | Ref |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1987–88 | 11 | 10 | Redruth | High Wycombe | Bournemouth | [40] |
1988–89 | 11 | 10 | Clifton | High Wycombe | Torquay Athletic, Bridgwater & Albion | [37] |
1989–90 | 11 | 10 | Maidenhead | Weston-super-Mare | Oxford | [37] |
1990–91 | 11 | 10 | High Wycombe | Reading | Matson, Stroud, Taunton | [37] |
1991–92 | 11 | 10 | Berry Hill | Cinderford | No relegation | [41] |
1992–93 | 13 | 12 | Reading | Henley | Penryn | [42] |
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).
Season | No of teams | No of matches | Champions | Runners-up | Relegated teams | Ref |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1993–94 | 13 | 12 | Henley | Cheltenham | Gordon League | [43] |
1994–95 | 13 | 12 | Cheltenham | Newbury | Stroud | [44] |
1995–96 | 13 | 12 | Newbury | Gloucester Old Boys | Cinderford | [45] |
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).
Season | No of teams | No of matches | Champions | Runners-up | Relegated teams | Ref |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1996–97 | 12 | 22 | Bridgwater & Albion | Launceston | Brixham, Camborne | [46] |
1997–98 | 12 | 22 | Bracknell | Launceston | High Wycombe, St Ives | [47] |
1998–99 | 12 | 22 | Penzance & Newlyn | Launceston | Salisbury | [48] |
1999–00 | 12 | 22 | Launceston | Keynsham | Matson, Stroud | [49] |
2000–01 | 12 | 22 | Old Patesians | Cinderford | Berry Hill, Truro, Torquay Athletic, Gloucester Old Boys | [50] |
2001–02 | 12 | 22 | Weston-super-Mare | Dings Crusaders | Stroud, Maidenhead, Swanage & Warham, Dorcester | [51] |
2002–03 | 12 | 22 | Dings Crusaders | Reading | Berry Hill, Marlow | [52] |
2003–04 | 12 | 22 | Reading | Cinderford | Barnstaple, Truro | [53] |
2004–05 | 12 | 22 | Cinderford | Bridgwater & Albion | St Mary's Old Boys, Gloucester Old Boys, Keynsham | [54] |
2005–06 | 12 | 22 | Chinnor | Clifton | Penryn, Cheltenham, Spartans | [55] |
2006–07 | 12 | 22 | Mounts Bay | Cleve | Chippenham, Clevedon, Reading Abbey | [56] |
2007–08 | 12 | 22 | Chinnor | Bracknell | Reading, Maidenhead, St Ives | [57] |
2008–09 | 12 | 22 | Clifton | Bracknell | No relegation | [58] |
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).
Season | No of teams | No of matches | Champions | Runners-up | Relegated teams | Ref | ||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2009–10 | 14 | 26 | Taunton | Old Patesians | Maidenhead, Chippenham, Reading | [59] | ||||||||
2010–11 | 14 | 26 | Hartpury College | Bournemouth | Cleve, Coney Hill, Cheltenham | [60] | ||||||||
2011–12 | 14 | 26 | Bournemouth | Chinnor | Bridgwater & Albion, Newbury Blues, Old Redcliffians | [61] | ||||||||
2012–13 | 14 | 26 | London Irish Amateur | Exmouth | Maidenhead, Oxford Harlequins, Malvern | [62] | ||||||||
2013–14 | 14 | 26 | Lydney | Redingensians | Chippenham, Avonmouth Old Boys, Worcester Wanderers | [63] | ||||||||
2014–15 | 14 | 26 | Redingensians | Exmouth | Chard, Oxford Harlequins, Weston-super-Mare | [64] | ||||||||
2015–16 | 14 | 26 | Exmouth | Barnstaple | Chippenham, Old Patesians, Old Centralians | [65] | ||||||||
2016–17 | 14 | 26 | Old Redcliffians | Dings Crusaders | Bromsgrove, Salisbury, Launceston | [66] | ||||||||
Green background are the promotion places. |
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.
Season | No of teams | No of matches | Champions | Runners-up | Relegated teams | Ref | ||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2017–18 | 14 | 26 | Dings Crusaders | Bournemouth | Lydney, Hornets, Newbury Blues | [67] | ||||||||
2018–19 | 14 | 26 | Bournemouth | Barnstaple | Old Patesians, Newton Abbot, Cleve | [68] | ||||||||
2019–20 | 13 [a] | 20 [b] | Barnstaple | Weston-super-Mare | Bracknell, Newbury Blues | [71] | ||||||||
2020–21 | 14 | 26 | Cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom. | |||||||||||
2021–22 | 14 | 26 | Exeter University | Old Redcliffians | Hornets also promoted. | |||||||||
Green background are the promotion places. |
From 2022–33 season the number of tier 5 leagues was increased from four to six.
Season | No of teams | No of matches | Champions | Runners-up | Relegated teams | Ref |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2022–23 | 12 | 22 | Camborne | Chew Valley | Old Centralians and Drybrook | [4] |
2023–24 | 12 | 22 | Devonport Services | Barnstaple | Okehampton and Weston-super-Mare | [72] [4] |
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.
Season | Home team | Score | Away team | Venue | Attendance | Reference | ||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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 | [73] | |||||||||
2002–03 | Haywards Heath (LSE) | 34–21 | Reading (SW) | Whiteman's Green, Cuckfield, West Sussex | [74] [75] | |||||||||
2003–04 | Hertford (LSE) | 25–14 | Cinderford (SW) | Highfields, Ware, Hertfordshire | [76] | |||||||||
2004–05 | Worthing Raiders (LSE) | 26–30 | Bridgwater & Albion (SW) | Roundstone Lane, Angmering, West Sussex | 1,200 | [77] [78] | ||||||||
2005–06 | Richmond (LSE) | 3–12 | Clifton (SW) | Athletic Ground, Richmond, Greater London | 1,100 | [79] [80] | ||||||||
2006–07 | Ealing Trailfinders (LSE) | 48–16 | Cleve (SW) | Trailfinders Sports Ground, Ealing, Greater London | [81] [82] | |||||||||
2007–08 | Worthing Raiders (LSE) | 18–5 | Bracknell (SW) | Roundstone Lane, Angmering, West Sussex | [83] [84] | |||||||||
2008–09 | Barnes (LSE) | 39–18 | Bracknell (SW) | Barn Elms, Barnes, Greater London | [85] [86] | |||||||||
2009–10 | Old Albanian (LSE) | 15–0 | Old Patesians (SW) | Woollam Playing Fields, St Albans, Hertfordshire | [87] [88] | |||||||||
2010–11 | Hertford (LSE) | 23–22 | Bournemouth (SW) | Highfields, Ware, Hertfordshire | 1,000 | [89] [90] | ||||||||
2011–12 | Chinnor (SW) | 19–8 | Tonbridge Juddian (LSE) | Kingsey Road, Thame, Oxfordshire | [91] [92] | |||||||||
2012–13 | Exmouth (SW) | 21–20 | Dorking (LSE) | Imperial Recreation Ground, Exmouth, Devon | [93] [94] | |||||||||
2013–14 | Old Elthamians (LSE) | 17–10 | Redingensians (SW) | Queen Mary Sports Ground, Chislehurst, Kent | 1,350 | [95] [96] | ||||||||
2014–15 | Exmouth (SW) | 22–27 (aet) | Barnes (LSE) | Imperial Recreation Ground, Exmouth, Devon | 1,000 | [97] [98] | ||||||||
2015–16 | Tonbridge Juddian (LSE) | 30–31 | Barnstaple (SW) | The Slade, Tonbridge, Kent | 600 | [99] [100] | ||||||||
2016–17 | Wimbledon (LSE) | 55–5 | Dings Crusaders (SW) | Beverley Meads, Raynes Park, Greater London | 350 | [101] | ||||||||
2017–18 | Guernsey (LSE) | 38–23 | Bournemouth (SW) | Footes Lane, Saint Peter Port, Guernsey | [102] | |||||||||
2018–19 | Westcliff (LSE) | 44–5 | Barnstaple (SW) | The Gables, Eastwood, Essex | 750 | [103] [104] | ||||||||
2019–20 | Cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom. Best ranked runner up – Guernsey (LSE) – promoted instead. | |||||||||||||
2021–22 | Cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom. | |||||||||||||
2022–23 | Cancelled due to national league reorganisation. | |||||||||||||
Green background represent the promoted teams. (LSE = London & South East teams while SW = South West teams). |
Regional 1 South East is a level five league in the English rugby union system. It is one of six leagues at this level. When this division began in 1987 it was known as London Division 1. The format of the league was changed at the beginning of the 2009–10 season following re-organisation by the Rugby Football Union while the name change from National League 3 to Premier was introduced for the 2017–18 season to make it more obvious that it is a regional league. London & South East Premier was the highest regional rugby union league covering London and south east England. Following the RFU Adult Competition Review the league was decreased from 14 to 12 and the name changed to Regional 1 South East. Part of the area formerly covered by London & South East Premier is now covered by a new league Regional 1 South Central.
Counties 1 Western West is an English rugby union league. Originally a single division called Western Counties, in 1996 the division split into two regional leagues called Western Counties North and Western Counties West. Western Counties West was renamed Counties 1 Western West prior to the 2022–23 season and is currently a seventh tier league for clubs based in the south-west of England; mainly Cornwall, Devon and Somerset. The champions are promoted to Regional 2 South West. The number of teams relegated depends on feedback following promotion and relegation in the leagues above, but can be one, two or three, to either Counties 2 Cornwall, Counties 2 Devon or Counties 2 Somerset, depending on location.
Regional 2 South West, is an English, level six, rugby union league for clubs based in the south-west of England; i.e. Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Somerset. It is one of twelve leagues at this level in England. When league rugby started in 1986 it was known as South West 2, but in 1996 the division was split into two leagues — South West 1 West and South West 1 East. South West 1 West was renamed Regional 2 South West prior to the 2022–23 season. The champions are promoted to Regional 1 South West and the bottom two sides are relegated, depending on location, to either Counties 1 Western West, Counties 1 Western North or Counties 1 Southern South.
Counties 1 Southern South is a level 7 league in the Rugby Football Union South West Division, the rugby union governing body for South West England, part of the Rugby Football Union. When league rugby first began in 1987 it was a single league known as Southern Counties but in 1996 the division was split into two regional leagues: Southern Counties North and Southern Counties South. Counties 1 Southern South currently sits at the seventh tier of club rugby union in England and primarily features teams based in Dorset and Wiltshire.
Counties 1 Southern North is a division at level 7 of the English rugby union system. When league rugby first began in 1987 it was known as Southern Counties but since 1996 the division was split into two regional leagues – Southern Counties North and Southern Counties South. Counties 1 Southern North currently sits at the seventh tier of club rugby union in England and features teams based in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. The league champions at the end of each season are automatically promoted to Regional 2 South Central. Relegated teams usually drop to Counties 2 Berks/Bucks & Oxon North or Counties 2 Berks/Bucks & Oxon South.
Counties 1 Western North is an English rugby union league. Originally a single division called Western Counties, in 1996 the division split into two regional leagues called Western Counties North and Western Counties West. Western Counties North was renamed Counties 1 Western North prior to the 2022–23 season and is currently a seventh tier league for clubs based in the south-west of England; mainly Bristol, Gloucestershire and Somerset. The champions are promoted to South West 1 West and the runner-up plays the second team in Western Counties West, with the winning team gaining promotion. The number of teams relegated depends on feedback following promotion and relegation in the leagues above, but is usually two or three to Gloucester Premier and Somerset Premier. Although 2nd XV rugby is part of the Somerset regional league system, only 1st XV teams are allowed in Tribute Western Counties North. Since 2021/22 2nd xv teams have been allowed in Counties 1 Tribute Western North but under current RFU Rules they are unable to be promoted beyond here.
National League 2 South was a level four league in the English rugby union system until the end of season 2021–22. It was one of two leagues at this level, with its counterpart, National League 2 North, covering the north of England. The format of the league was changed at the beginning of the 2009–10 season following reorganisation by the Rugby Football Union. The champions were promoted to National League 1. The runner-up play in a promotion play-off with the runner-up of National League 2 North; the team with the best record having home advantage. The bottom three teams were relegated, to either South West Premier or London & South East Premier. Esher are the current and final champions.
South West 1 East was an English, level six, rugby union league in south and south-west England; mainly Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Dorset, Gloucester, Northamptonshire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire and Wiltshire. Originally a single division known as South West 2, it was split into two regional leagues in 1996 – South West 1 East and South West 1 West.
England has a comprehensive league structure in place, including national fully professional leagues to amateur regional leagues.
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Counties 2 Hampshire is an English level 8 Rugby Union league for teams based in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Up until the 2017–18 season it was known as Hampshire 1 but was changed to Hampshire Premier due to restructuring of the Hampshire leagues, which would see the re-introduction of a third division as well as 2nd and 3rd XV sides joining for the first time. Following the RFU's Adult Competition Review, from season 2022-23 it adopted its current name Counties 2 Hampshire.
Gloucester Premier is an English rugby union league which sits at the eighth level of league rugby union in England with teams largely being based in the county of Gloucestershire and Bristol. Originally a single division called Gloucestershire/Somerset, in 2000 the division split into two county leagues called Gloucester Premier and Somerset Premier.
Counties 2 Devon is an English level eight rugby union league for clubs primarily based in Devon. The champions are promoted to Counties 1 Western West and relegation is to Counties 3 Devon East or Counties 3 Devon East.
Dorset & Wilts 1 South is an English Rugby Union league, forming part of the South West Division, for clubs primarily based in Dorset, sitting at tier 8 of the English rugby union system. Originally a single league, Dorset & Wilts 1 split into north and south regional divisions in 2004. Teams based in Berkshire participated until 2001 when they left to join the Buckinghamshire & Oxon leagues.
Exmouth Rugby Football Club is a rugby union team based at the Imperial Recreation Ground in Exmouth, Devon. The club runs four senior teams and a ladies side as well as the full range of junior boys teams and girls teams at three age levels. The first XV plays in the Regional 1 South West, the fifth tier of the English rugby union league system.
The 2013–14 National League 2 South was the fifth season of the fourth tier (south) of the English domestic rugby union competitions since the professionalised format of the second division was introduced. The league system was 4 points for a win, 2 points for a draw and additional bonus points being awarded for scoring 4 or more tries and/or losing within 7 points of the victorious team. In terms of promotion the league champions would go straight up into National League 1 while the runners up would have a one-game playoff against the runners up from National League 2 North for the final promotion place. After an absence of several years, the Cornwall Super Cup returned in a new format with the two league matches between the Cornish sides Launceston and Redruth also counting towards the cup.
The 2005–06 National Division Three South was the sixth season of the fourth division (south) of the English domestic rugby union competition using the name National Division Three South. New teams to the division included Bracknell and Rosslyn Park who were relegated from 2004–05 National Division Two while Cambridge came up as champions of London Division 1 along with Cinderford (champions) and Bridgwater & Albion (playoffs) who were promoted from South West Division 1. The league system was 4 points for a win, 2 points for a draw and additional bonus points being awarded for scoring 4 or more tries and/or losing within 7 points of the victorious team. In terms of promotion the league champions would go straight up into National Division Two while the runners up would have a one-game playoff against the runners up from National Division Three North for the final promotion place.
The 2016–17 National League 2 South was the eighth season of the fourth tier (south) of the English domestic rugby union competitions since the professionalised format of the second division was introduced. New teams to the division include Henley Hawks and Cinderford while Exmouth (champions) and Barnstaple were promoted from National League 3 South West along with London Irish Wild Geese who won National League 3 London & SE. The league system is 4 points for a win, 2 points for a draw and additional bonus points being awarded for scoring 4 or more tries and/or losing within 7 points of the victorious team. In terms of promotion the league champions are promoted to National League 1 while the second-placed team play-off against the second-placed team from National League 2 North for the final promotion place.
The 2017–18 National League 2 South is the ninth season of the fourth tier (south) of the English domestic rugby union competitions since the professionalised format of the second division was introduced.
The 2019–20 National League 2 South was the eleventh season of the fourth tier (south) of the English domestic rugby union competitions since the professionalised format of the second division was introduced.