National League 1

National League 1
Founded1987; 39 years ago (1987)
Country England
Number of clubs14
Level on pyramidLevel 3
Promotion toRFU Championship
Relegation toNational Two East
National Two North
National Two West
Current championsRotherham Titans (1st title)
(2025-26)
Most championshipsRichmond (4 titles)
WebsiteNational League 1
Current: 2026–27 National League 1

National One, up until 2023 known as National League 1 and previously known before September 2009 as National Division Two), is the third of three national men’s leagues in the domestic rugby union competition of England. It was known as Courage League National Division Three when it was founded in 1987. Richmond are the current champions.

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) approved a new structure for the National Leagues from the 2022–23 season. This division was reduced to fourteen teams, playing each other on a home and away basis to make a total of 26 matches each.

Structure

The league consists of fourteen teams, with all the teams playing each other on a home and away basis, to make a total of twenty-six matches each. For the 2025–26 season there is one automatic promotion place, with the champions going up to Champ Rugby, while the runners up will play the 13th placed Champ Rugby side in a playoff for a possible second promotion place.

Clubs finishing 12th, 13th and 14th will automatically be relegated to either, National League 2 East, National League 2 North or National League 2 West, depending on the geographical location of the team. The 11th placed side will enter a four team playoff with the runners up of the three tier 4 leagues, with one side going up/remaining in National League 1.

The results of the matches contribute points to the league table as follows:

Current season

Participating teams and locations

Greater London National League 1 clubs
Rosslyn Park
London Scottish
2026–27 Greater London National League 1 clubs
Team Ground Capacity City/Area Previous season
Birmingham MoseleyBillesley Common5,000 (1,300 seats)Birmingham, West Midlands11th
Bishop's StortfordSilver Leys1,600Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire6th
Bury St EdmundsThe Haberden3,000 (135 seats)Bury St Edmunds, SuffolkPromoted from National 2 East
CambridgeGrantchester Road2,200 (200 seats)Cambridge, CambridgeshireRelegated from Champ Rugby (14th)
CamborneRecreation Ground7,000 (780 seats)Camborne, CornwallPromoted from National 2 West
Dings CrusadersShaftesbury Park2,250 (250 seats)Frenchay, Bristol10th
Leeds TykesThe Sycamores1,500Bramhope, Leeds, West Yorkshire9th
London ScottishAthletic Ground4,500 (1,000 seats)Richmond, LondonRelegated from Champ Rugby (13th)
Plymouth AlbionThe Brickfields5,600Plymouth, Devon3rd
RamsOld Bath Road2,000 (300 seats)Sonning, Reading, Berkshire7th
Rosslyn ParkThe Rock2,000 (630 seats)Roehampton, London4th
Sale FCHeywood Road3,387Sale, Greater Manchester5th
SheffieldAbbeydale Park3,300 (100 seats)Sheffield, South YorkshirePromoted from National 2 North
Tonbridge JuddiansThe Slade1,500Tonbridge, Kent8th

League table

2026–27 National League 1 table
Pos Team
 Pld W D L PF PA PD TB LB Pts Qualification
1 Plymouth Albion 9 9 0 0 471 151 +320 9 0 45 Promotion place
2 Tonbridge Juddians 9 8 0 1 368 316 +52 9 0 41 Promotion play-off
3 Camborne 9 8 0 1 378 272 +106 8 0 40
4 Leeds Tykes 9 6 0 3 324 239 +85 7 3 34
5 Sale FC 9 6 0 3 375 264 +111 7 2 33
6 Rosslyn Park 9 5 0 4 343 287 +56 8 1 29
7 London Scottish 9 4 0 5 330 344 −14 7 2 25
8 Birmingham Moseley 9 4 0 5 249 312 −63 6 1 23
9 Bishop's Stortford 9 3 0 6 322 362 −40 8 2 22
10 Dings Crusaders 9 2 1 6 331 393 −62 8 3 21
11 Bury St Edmunds 9 3 0 6 237 354 −117 6 0 18 Relegation play-off
12 Rams 9 2 1 6 229 304 −75 6 2 18 Relegation place
13 Sheffield 9 2 0 7 228 334 −106 6 3 17
14 Cambridge 9 0 0 9 240 493 −253 5 3 8
Updated to match(es) played on 7 November 2026. Source: National League Rugby
Rules for classification: If teams are level at any stage, tiebreakers are applied in the following order:
  1. Number of matches won
  2. Number of matches drawn
  3. Difference between points for and against
  4. Total number of points for
  5. Aggregate number of points scored in matches between tied teams
  6. Number of matches won excluding the first match, then the second and so on until the tie is settled

History

When the rugby union leagues were introduced in 1987 the division was known as Courage League National Division Three. Ten years later, in 1997, the league was restructured and the Premiership was introduced, which consisted of the top two divisions. Therefore, National 3 became the top league outside of the Premiership structure, and was renamed as National 1. In 2000–01, the Premiership was reduced to a single division and National 1 was renamed National 2. Following the formation of the professional RFU Championship in 2009 the league, once again, became known as National League 1, and is currently the lowest tier that is nationwide. The league has previously consisted of fourteen clubs, but from 2009 to 2010 increased to sixteen before reducing to fourteen again ahead of the 2022–23 season. Only one team was promoted to the RFU Championship and between 2009–10 and 2019–20 three teams were relegated to either National League 2 North or National League 2 South depending on geographical location. Following reorganisation in 2022, three teams are now relegated to either National League 2 East, National League 2 North or National League 2 West depending on geographical location.

Summary of tier three format

Year Name No of teams No of matches
1987–90Courage National 31211
1990–92Courage National 31312
1992–93Courage National 31211
1993–96Courage National 31018
1996–97Courage National 31630
1997–2000Jewson National League 11426
2000–09National Division 21426
2009–22National League 11630
2022–National League 11426

Original teams

When the league system was formed in 1987, the following teams participated in the league, which was known as National 3. Thirty-three years on, only one team Plymouth Albion, are currently playing at this level. (Updated to 2019–20)

League results

National Division Three

National Division Three
Season No of teams No of matches Champions Runners-up Relegated team(s) Ref
1987–881211WakefieldWest HartlepoolMorley, Birmingham
1988–891211Plymouth AlbionRugbyMetropolitan Police, Maidstone
1989–901211London ScottishWakefieldLondon Welsh
1990–911312West HartlepoolMorleyMetropolitan Police, Vale of Lune
1991–921312RichmondFyldeNuneaton, Lydney
1992–931211OtleyHavantMultiple teams
1993–941018CoventryFyldeHavant, Redruth
1994–951018BedfordBlackheathClifton, Exeter
1995–961018CoventryRichmondFylde in last place (no relegation)
1996–971630ExeterFyldeWalsall, Havant, Redruth, Clifton

National League One

National League One
Season No of teams No of matches Champions Runners-up Relegated team(s) Ref
1997–981426WorcesterLeeds TykesNo relegation
1998–991426HenleyManchesterMorley, Liverpool St Helens
1999–001426OtleyBirmingham & SolihullReading, Blackheath

National Division Two

National Division Two
Season No of teams No of matches Champions Runners-up Relegated team(s) Ref
2000–011426BracknellRugbyCamberley, Lydney, West Hartlepool
2001–021426OrrellPlymouth AlbionRosslyn Park, Waterloo, Preston Grasshoppers
2002–031426Penzance-NewlynHenleyLaunceston, Kendal, Fylde
2003–041426Sedgley ParkNottinghamRugby, Lydney
2004–051426DoncasterNewburyNuneaton, Bracknell, Rosslyn Park
2005–061426MoseleyWaterlooOrrell
2006–071426EsherLauncestonBradford & Bingley, Barking, Harrogate
2007–081426OtleyManchesterNuneaton, Henley Hawks, Halifax
2008–091426Birmingham & SolihullCambridgeWestcombe Park, Southend, Mounts Bay, Waterloo

National League One

National League One
Season No of teams No of matches Champions Runners-up Relegated team(s) Ref
2009–101630EsherLondon ScottishNewbury, Nuneaton, Manchester
2010–111630London ScottishBarkingRedruth, Otley, Launceston
2011–121630JerseyEaling TrailfindersBirmingham & Solihull, Stourbridge, Barking
2012–131630Ealing TrailfindersEsherMacclesfield, Sedgley Park, Cambridge
2013–141630Doncaster KnightsRosslyn ParkHenley Hawks, Worthing Raiders, Hull Ionians
2014–151630Ealing TrailfindersRosslyn ParkTynedale, Macclesfield, Old Albanian
2015–161630RichmondHartpury CollegeHenley Hawks, Cinderford, Wharfedale
2016–171630Hartpury CollegePlymouth AlbionMacclesfield, Blaydon
2017–181630CoventryDarlington Mowden ParkFylde, Old Albanian, Hull Ionians
2018–191630AmpthillOld ElthamiansLoughborough Students, Esher, Caldy
2019–201625RichmondRamsHull Ionians, Canterbury, Rotherham Titans
2020–21Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the season was cancelled.
2021–221528CaldySale FCBlackheath, Tonbridge Juddians
2022–231426CambridgeRamsEsher, Leeds Tykes, Hull
2023–241426ChinnorRamsCinderford, Taunton Titans
2024–251426RichmondRosslyn ParkDarlington Mowden Park, Esher
2025–261426Rotherham TitansBlackheathLeicester Lions, Sedgley Park, Clifton
2026–271426
Green background are the promotion places.

Number of league titles

Records

Note that all records are from 1996–97 season onwards as this is widely held as the dawn of professionalism across the English club game. It also offers a better comparison between seasons as the division team numbers are roughly equal (for example when league rugby union first started in 1987–88 the Courage League National Division Three had only 12 teams playing 11 games each, compared to 16 teams in 1996–97 playing 30 games (home & away)). Attendance records are from 2000 onwards unless otherwise specified. All records are up to date up till the end of the 2019–20 season.

League records

  • Most titles: 4
Richmond (1991–92, 2015–16, 2019–20, 2024–25)
  • Most times promoted from division: 5
Richmond (1991–92, 1995–96, 2015–16, 2019–20, 2024–25)
  • Most times relegated from division: 4
Nuneaton (1991–92, 2004–05, 2007–08, 2009–10)
  • Most league points in a season: 148
Hartpury College (2016–17)
  • Least league points in a season: 0
West Hartlepool (2000–01), Manchester (2009–10)
  • Most points scored in a season: 1,455
Hartpury College (2016–17)
  • Least points scored in a season: 114
Manchester (2009–10)
  • Most points conceded in a season: 2,626
Manchester (2009–10)
  • Least points conceded in a season: 299
Henley Hawks (1998–99)
  • Best points difference (For/Against): 1,078
Esher (2009–10)
  • Worst points difference (For/Against): –2,512
Manchester (2009–10)
  • Most games won in a season: 30
Hartpury College (2016–17)
  • Most games lost in a season: 30
Manchester (2009–10)
  • Most games drawn in a season: 4
Wharfedale (2005–06), Richmond (2012–13), Ampthill (2017–18)
  • Most bonus points in a season: 28
Ealing Trailfinders (2014–15)
Hartpury College (2016–17)

Match records

  • Largest home win:
124 – 5 Wharfedale at home to Manchester on 26 September 2009 (2009–10)
  • Largest away win:
148 – 0 Esher away to Manchester on 5 September 2009 (2009–10)
  • Most points scored in a match: 148
Esher away to Manchester on 5 September 2009 (2009–10)
  • Most tries scored in a match: 23
Blaydon away to Manchester on 19 September 2009 (2009–10)
  • Most conversions scored in a match: 19
Esher away to Manchester on 5 September 2009 (2009–10)
  • Most penalties scored in a match: 8
Esher at home to Preston Grasshoppers on 1 December 2001 (2001–02)
Stourbridge at home to Rosslyn Park on 25 October 2003 (2003–04)
Hartpury College at home to Rosslyn Park on 9 April 2016 (2015–16)
Rotherham Titans at home to Rosslyn Park on 15 September 2018 (2018–19)
  • Most drop kicks scored in a match: 3
Fylde away to Esher on 13 February 2016 (2015–16)

Player records

  • Most times top points scorer: 2
England Neil Hallett for Esher (2005–06, 2006–07)
  • Most times top try scorer: 3
England Phil Chesters for Ealing Trailfinders (2011–12, 2012–13, 2014–15)
  • Most points in a season: 399
England Sam Ulph for Esher (2009–10)
  • Most tries in a season: 42
England William Harding for Blackheath (2025–26)
  • Most points in a match: 51
England Sam Ulph for Esher away to Manchester on 5 September 2009 (2009–10)
  • Most tries in a match: 7
England Hugo Ellis for Rosslyn Park at home to Cambridge on 12 January 2013
  • Most conversions in a match: 18
England Sam Ulph for Esher away to Manchester on 5 September 2009 (2009–10)
  • Most penalties in a match: 8
England Jonathon Gregory for Esher at home to Preston Grasshoppers on 1 December 2001 (2001–02)
England Ben Harvey for Stourbridge at home to Rosslyn Park on 25 October 2003 (2003–04)
Wales Gareth Thompson for Hartpury College at home to Rosslyn Park on 9 April 2016 (2015–16)
England Alex Dolly for Rotherham Titans at home to Rosslyn Park on 15 September 2018 (2018–19)
  • Most drop kicks in a match: 3
England Chris Johnson for Fylde away to Esher on 13 February 2016 (2015–16)

Attendance records

  • Highest attendance (league game): 4,631
Plymouth Albion at home to Rams on 14 March 2026 (2025–26)
  • Lowest attendance (league game): 50
West Hartlepool at home to Camberley on 31 March 2001 (2000–01)
  • Highest average attendance (club): 2,206
Jersey (2011–12)
  • Lowest average attendance (club): 180
Barking (2011–12)
  • Highest average attendance (season): 653 (2017–18)
  • Lowest average attendance (season): 463 (2004–05)

Top ten point scorers

As of the end of the games of 27 April 2019. Stats taken from 1996–97 season onwards and include regular league games only in National League 1 (no cup games). Points scored includes tries, drop kicks, penalties and conversions.
Rank Nat Name Years Club(s) Points Apps Ratio
1 England Andrew Baggett 2001–08
2008–17		Wharfedale
Blaydon		1,7074094.2
2 England Neil Hallett 1999–02
2002–04
2004–10
2011–12		Rosslyn Park
Bracknell
Esher
Ealing Trailfinders		1,4401818.0
3 England Alastair Bressington 2004–05
2005–10, 2010–12
2010		Moseley
Stourbridge
Cinderford		1,2011478.2
4 England Lee Cholewa 1996–97
1998–99, 2000–05
2005–07
2010–11		Rotherham
Harrogate
London Welsh
London Scottish		1,1681468.0
5 England Chris Johnson 2012–16
2019, 2019–		Fylde
Sale FC		1,0751199.0
6 South Africa Clifford Hodgson 2012–2017
2019–		Coventry
Birmingham Moseley		1,024
109
9.4
England Mark Bedworth 2005–10Wharfedale1,0241149.0
7 England Ben Harvey 1996–97
1999–00
2000–01
2001–05		Richmond
Worcester Warriors
Moseley
Stourbridge		9871188.4
8 England Jonathon Gregory 1996–97
2000–04		Richmond
Esher		9708411.5
9 England Jonathon Davies 1997–07Wharfedale9461984.8

(Bold denotes players still playing in National League 1)

Top ten try scorers

As of the end of the games of 27 April 2019. Stats taken from 1996–97 season onwards and include regular league games only in National League 1 (no cup games).
Rank Nat Name Years Club(s) Tries Apps Ratio
1 England David Allen 2004–17Blackheath1472770.5
2 England Oliver Brennand 2011–17Fylde1171610.7
3 England Hugo Ellis 2012–Rosslyn Park1071550.7
4 England Phil Chesters 2011–13, 2014–15Ealing Trailfinders105821.3
5 England Jason Smithson 2007–17Blaydon962240.4
6 South Africa Chris Malherbe 1998–99
2001–02
2002–11		Camberley
Kendal
Wharfedale		952220.4
England Andrew Hodgson 1997–99, 2000–04, 2005–13, 2014–16Wharfedale952640.4
7 South Africa Christoff Lombaard 2006–07, 2008–10
2012–15, 16–17		Cambridge
Old Albanian		811510.5
8 England Nigel Baker 2009–12
2013–15, 2016
2015
2016–19		Stourbridge
Cinderford
Coventry
Ampthill		791490.5
9 England Spencer Sutherland 2011–12
2012–18
2018–19		Coventry
Esher
Ampthill		781480.5

(Bold denotes players still playing in National League 1)

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ Leeds Tykes will also play one home game at the 19,700 capacity Headingley Stadium in Leeds.
  2. ↑ Tonbridge Juddians occasionally play home games at their 4G training pitch at Vizard (owned by The Judd School) in the event of flooding at their regular ground The Slade.
  3. ↑ Sheffield, Leeds, Liverpool St Helens, Clifton, Aspatria, Askeans, Broughton Park and Plymouth Albion were the relegated teams. The large number of relegations was due to the restructuring of the league system for the 1993–94 season.
  4. ↑ Rugby and Rotherham were also promoted.
  5. ↑ London Welsh and Rugby were also promoted.
  6. ↑ Only 2 teams relegated at the end of the 2016–17 season instead of 3 due to London Welsh being expelled from the RFU Championship in January 2017.
  7. ↑ Due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom the RFU cancelled all rugby below the Premiership with most clubs in National League 1 having played 25 games, and a best playing record formula was used to decide the final table.
  8. ↑ The expansion of the 2025–26 RFU Championship from 12 to 14 teams meant only 2 teams were relegated instead of 3 meaning that 12th placed Leicester Lions stayed in National League 1.
  9. ↑ Penzance & Newlyn are now known as the Cornish Pirates.
  10. ↑ Note that due to poor attendance keeping by press and online sources means that the 2000–01 and 2003–04 seasons are excluded from these statistics due to lack of information expect in the case of lowest recorded league game attendance.

References

  1. ↑ Stephen Jones, ed. (1988). Rothmans Rugby Union Yearbook 1988–89. London: Rothmans Publications Ltd.
  2. ↑ "Extra drama added at both ends as RFU unveil new-look Champ Rugby". www.rugbypass.com. 15 May 2025. Retrieved 17 May 2025.
  3. ↑ "National League Play-Offs for 2025/2026". Redruth Rugby Football Club. 29 August 2025.
  4. ↑ "Contact us". Moseley Rugby. Retrieved 22 June 2023.
  5. ↑ "Silver Leys". Bishop Stortford RFC. Retrieved 22 June 2023.
  6. ↑ "Bury St Edmunds secure National League 2 East title and promotion to National League 1 with convincing 95-28 victory over Old Albanian". Suffolk News. 27 April 2026.
  7. ↑ "Camborne with National Two West title after Luctonians loss". The Packet. 21 April 2026.
  8. ↑ "Shaftesbury Park". Dings Crusaders RFC. Retrieved 10 June 2023.
  9. ↑ "Contact Us". Plymouth Albion RFC. Retrieved 22 June 2023.
  10. ↑ "Rams Rugby Club". Rams Rugby Football Club. Retrieved 22 June 2023.
  11. ↑ "Rams would be happy to play in RFU's new Tier 2". The RugbyPaper. No. 802. 28 January 2024. p. 1-2.
  12. ↑ "Contact Us". SaleFC. Retrieved 22 June 2023.
  13. ↑ "Abbeydale Park". Sheffield RUFC. Retrieved 13 June 2023.
  14. ↑ "National League 1". NCA Rugby.
  15. ↑ Stephen Jones, ed. (1988). Courage Leagues 1988–89. London: Queen Anne Press. ISBN 0356158845.
  16. 1 2 Tony Williams and Bill Mitchell, ed. (1990). Courage Clubs Championship. Official Rugby Union Club Directory 1990–91. Horsham: Burlington Publishing Co Ltd. ISBN 1873057024.
  17. ↑ Stephen Jones, ed. (1991). Rothmans Rugby Union Yearbook 1991–92. London: Queen Anne Press. ISBN 0356202496.
  18. ↑ "Courage Club Championship 1991/92". Moseley Rugby club. Retrieved 22 June 2013.
  19. ↑ "Courage Clubs Championship-1992/93". Moseley Rugby Club. Retrieved 22 June 2013.
  20. ↑ "Courage Clubs Championship 1993/94". Moseley Rugby Club. Retrieved 22 June 2013.
  21. ↑ "Courage Club Championships 1994/95". Moseley Rugby Club. Retrieved 22 June 2013.
  22. ↑ Mick Cleary, ed. (1996). Rothmans Rugby Union Yearbook 1996–97. London: Headline Book Publishing. ISBN 0747277710.
  23. ↑ Mick Cleary, ed. (1987). Rothmans Rugby Union Yearbook 1997–98. London: Headline Book Publishers. ISBN 074727732X.
  24. ↑ "1997/98: Jewson National Division (formerly Courage League National Division 3)". Moseley Rugby Club. Archived from the original on 28 July 2014. Retrieved 22 June 2013.
  25. ↑ Mick Cleary and John Griffiths, ed. (1999). Rothmans Rugby Union Yearbook 1999–2000. London: Headline Book Publishing. ISBN 0747275319.
  26. ↑ Stephen McCormack, ed. (2000). The Official RFU Club Directory 2000–2001. Harpenden: Queen Anne Press. ISBN 1852916273.
  27. 1 2 Stephen McCormack, ed. (2001). The Official RFU Club Directory 2001–2002. Harpender: Queen Anne Press. ISBN 1852916400.
  28. ↑ Stephen McCormack (2002). The Official RFU Club Directory 2002–2003. Harpenden: Queen Anne Press. ISBN 1852916451.
  29. ↑ "National Division 1 2003/04". Moseley Rugby Club. Retrieved 22 June 2013.
  30. ↑ "2004/05: National League 2". Moseley Rugby Club. Retrieved 22 June 2013.
  31. ↑ "2005/06: National League 2". Moseley Rugby Club. Retrieved 21 July 2013.
  32. ↑ "2006/07: National League 2". Moseley Rugby Club. Retrieved 21 July 2013.
  33. ↑ "2007/08: National League 2". Moseley Rugby Club. Retrieved 15 August 2013.
  34. ↑ "2008/09: National League 2". Moseley Rugby Club. Retrieved 15 August 2013.
  35. ↑ "2009/10: National League 1". Moseley Rugby Club. Retrieved 15 August 2013.
  36. ↑ "Final League Tables 2010 – 2011". Trelawneys Army. Retrieved 15 August 2013.
  37. ↑ "English National League One Table". BBC. Retrieved 15 August 2013.
  38. ↑ "SSE National League 1". NCA. Retrieved 8 May 2014.
  39. ↑ "London Welsh: RFU refuses permission for Exiles to stay in Championship". BBC Sport. 24 January 2017.
  40. ↑ "Following government advice, the RFU will suspend all rugby activity in England, at both professional and community level". England Rugby. Retrieved 17 March 2020.
  41. ↑ "RFU". www.englandrugby.com. Retrieved 25 March 2020.
  42. ↑ "National League 1 Final Standings 2021–22". England Rugby. Retrieved 8 May 2022.
  43. ↑ "National League 1 Final Standings 2022–23". England Rugby. Retrieved 8 May 2023.
  44. ↑ "National League 1 Final Standings 2023–24". England Rugby. 27 April 2024.
  45. ↑ "National League 1 Final Standings 2024–25". England Rugby. 26 April 2025.
  46. ↑ "Jewson National League 1 1998/99". rugbyarchive.net. Retrieved 9 January 2016.
  47. ↑ "National One All time leading scorers". Rugby Statbunker. 27 April 2019.
  48. ↑ "Team news for tomorrow – Coventry Rugby". www.coventryrugby.co.uk. Retrieved 12 November 2017.
  49. ↑ "National One All time try scorers". Rugby Statbunker. 27 April 2019.