Counties 3 Gloucestershire

Counties 3 Gloucestershire
Current season or competition:
2024-25 Counties 3 Gloucestershire
SportRugby union
Instituted1987; 39 years ago (1987) (as Gloucestershire 1)
Number of teams12
CountryEngland
Most titlesAretians, Bristol Saracens, Old Bristolians, Spartans, Tewkesbury (2 titles)
Websiteenglandrugby.com

Counties 3 Gloucestershire (formerly Gloucester 1) is an English rugby union league which sits at the ninth level of league rugby union in England for teams based primarily in the county of Gloucestershire but also on occasion teams from Bristol. Promoted clubs move into Counties 2 Gloucestershire North or Counties 2 Gloucestershire South depending on location. Relegated clubs drop into either Counties 4 Gloucestershire.

Teams 2026-27

North

Departing were Hucclecote promoted to Counties 2 Gloucestershire while Spartans (Gloucester), Drybrook II and Old Cryptians were relegated to Counties 4 Gloucestershire (North).

South

Departing were Bristol Saracens promoted to Counties 2 Gloucestershire while Cotham Park (9th) were relegated to Counties 4 Gloucestershire (South).

Teams 2025-26

North

With the consolidation of the North & South divisions in Counties 2 Gloucestershire only one team, Tewkesbury, were promoted.

Only three teams (2nd-4th) retained their places in the league, all other teams, those placed 5th-10th, were cascaded down a level the RFU pyramid to Counties 4 Gloucestershire (North) with the exception of Norton (8th) and Chosen Hill FP II (10th) who dropped out of the RFU league pyramid.

South

With the consolidation of the North & South divisions in Counties 2 Gloucestershire no team was promoted.

Those teams who finished 1st-7th retained their place in the league whilst those placed 8th-12th were cascaded down a level the RFU pyramid to Counties 4 Gloucestershire (South).

Broad Plain (2nd in 2024-25) started but did not complete the season leaving ten clubs to contest the outstanding fixtures.

Teams 2024–25

North

Departing were Bredon Star and Gloucester Old Boys, promoted to Counties 2 Gloucestershire North whilst Painswick (10th) and Ross-on-Wye (11th) were relegated to Counties 4 Gloucestershire.

Spartans (Gloucester) re-entered the leagues having withdrawn from Counties 2 Gloucestershire North ahead of the 2023-24 season.

South

Departing were Lydney II and Southmead promoted to Counties 2 Gloucestershire South. Aretians (10th) and Bishopston (11th) were relegated to Counties 4 Gloucestershire.

Barton Hill re-entered the leagues having withdrawn from Counties 1 Western North ahead of the 2023-24 season.

Teams 2023–24

North

Departing were Old Patesians and Stroud, promoted to Counties 2 Gloucestershire North whilst Norton (11th) were relegated to Counties 4 Gloucestershire North. Fairford (9th) left on a level transfer to Counties 3 Tribute Dorset & Wilts North.

South

Departing were North Bristol and Old Colstonians promoted to Counties 2 Gloucestershire South. Frampton Cottrell II were relegated to Counties 4 Gloucestershire South

Teams 2022–23

This was the first season following the RFU Adult Competition Review.

North

Departing were Smiths, Gordon League, Brockworth, Cirencester and Old Centralians II - all promoted to Counties 2 Gloucestershire North as were Berry Hill and Drybrook II to Counties 2 Gloucestershire South.

Old Patesians had finished 13th in Tribute South West 1 West an elected to suffer a triple relegation (bypassing levels 7 & 8) ahead of the new season.

South

Departing were Bream, Dursley, Lydney II, St Mary's Old Boys and Whitehall - all promoted to Counties 2 Gloucestershire South.

Thornbury II (10th), Avonmouth Old Boys II (11th) and Barton Hill II (12th) were relegated to Counties 4 Gloucestershire (South).

United Bristol Hospitals (9th) withdrew from league competition ahead of the new season.

Teams 2021–22

For the new season Gloucester 1 was split into North and South Divisions with the addition of several second teams from sides higher in the pyramid with twelve clubs in each division. The teams competing in 2021–22 achieved their places in the league based on performances in 2019–20, the 'previous season' column in the table below refers to that season not 2020–21.

North

South

2020–21

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

Teams 2019–20

Teams 2018–19

Teams 2017–18

Teams 2016–17

Teams 2015–16

The 2015–16 Gloucester 1 consists of twelve teams from Gloucestershire and Bristol as well as one team just over the border in Worcestershire. The season starts on 12 September 2015 and is due to end on 23 April 2016. Eight of the twelve teams participated in last season's competition. The 2014–15 champions Longlevens and runners up Chipping Sodbury were promoted to the Gloucester Premier while Old Colstonians and Kingswood were relegated to Gloucester 2.

Team Ground Capacity Town/Village Previous season
BishopstonBonnington WalkStoke Gifford, BristolPromoted from Gloucester 2 (runners up)
Bredon StarBredon Playing FieldsBredon, Worcestershire10th
BrockworthMill LaneBrockworth, Gloucestershire3rd
DursleyStragglers Sports GroundStinchcombe, Dursley, Gloucestershire5th
Gloucester Old BoysHorton RoadGloucester, Gloucestershire8th
Gordon LeagueHempsted LaneGloucester, GloucestershireRelegated from Gloucester Premier (11th)
Old CryptiansThe Memorial GroundGloucester, Gloucestershire6th
Old RichiansSandyleazeGloucester, Gloucestershire7th
PainswickBroadham FieldsPainswick, GloucestershireRelegated from Gloucester Premier (12th)
SouthmeadGreenway CentreSouthmead, Bristol9th
St Brendan's Old BoysCoombe Dingle Sports ComplexCoombe Dingle, BristolPromoted from Gloucester 2 (champions)
Widden Old BoysThe Memorial GroundGloucester, Gloucestershire4th

Teams 2014–15

Teams 2013–14

Teams 2012–13

Teams 2011–12

Teams 2010–11

Teams 2009–10

Teams 2008–09

Teams 2007–08

Teams 2006–07

Teams 2005–06

Teams 2004–05

Teams 2003–04

Teams 2002–03

Teams 2001–02

Teams 2000–01

Original teams

When league rugby began in 1987 this division (known as Gloucestershire 1) contained the following teams:

Gloucester 1 honours

Gloucestershire 1 (1987–1991)

Originally known as Gloucestershire 1, it was a tier 9 league with promotion to Gloucestershire/Somerset and relegation to Gloucester 2.

Gloucestershire 1
Season No of teams Champions Runners–up Relegated Teams Ref
1987–8811SpartansDings CrusadersBristol Saracens, Cheltenham North
1988–8911DrybrookDings CrusadersOld Colstonians
1989–9011Dings CrusadersGloucester Old BoysTredworth
1990–9111Gloucester Old BoysLonglevensAshley Down Old Boys
Green backgrounds are promotion places.

Gloucester 1 (1991–1993)

Gloucestershire 1 was shorted to Gloucester 1 for the 1991–92 season onward. It remained a tier 9 league with promotion to Gloucestershire/Somerset and relegation to Gloucester 2.

Gloucester 1
Season No of teams Champions Runners–up Relegated Teams Ref
1991–9211Old PatesiansNorth BristolNo relegation
1992–9313St. Mary's Old BoysBreamBristol Saracens
Green backgrounds are promotion places.

Gloucester 1 (1993–1996)

The creation of National League 5 South for the 1993–94 season meant that Gloucester 1 dropped to become a tier 10 league. Promotion continued to Gloucestershire/Somerset and relegation to Gloucester 2.

Gloucester 1
Season No of teams Champions Runners–up Relegated Teams Ref
1993–9413Stow-on-the-WoldCheltenham NorthAshley Down Old Boys, Saintbridge Former Pupils
1994–9513CleveLonglevensPainswick
1995–9613Cheltenham NorthBarton HillNo relegation
Green backgrounds are promotion places.

Gloucester 1 (1996–2000)

The cancellation of National League 5 South at the end of the 1995–96 season meant that Gloucester 1 reverted to being a tier 9 league. Promotion continued to Gloucestershire/Somerset and relegation to Gloucester 2.

Gloucester 1
Season No of teams Champions Runners–up Relegated Teams Ref
1996–9713Bristol SaracensOld CentraliansWidden Old Boys, Bishopston
1997–9813Old CentraliansChosen Hill Former PupilsBristol Telephone Area
1998–9912Chipping SodburyHucclecoteNo relegation
1999–0013AretiansChosen Hill Former PupilsCainscross, Southmead, Painswick, Old Bristolians
Green backgrounds are promotion places.

Gloucester 1 (2000–2009)

Gloucester 1 remained a tier 9 league despite the cancellation of Gloucestershire/Somerset at the end of the 1999–00 season. Promotion was now to the new Gloucester Premier, while relegation continued to Gloucester 2. Between 2007 and 2009 Gloucester 1 was sponsored by High Bridge Jewellers.

Gloucester 1
Season No of teams Champions Runners–up Relegated Teams Ref
2000–0110Chosen Hill Former PupilsHucclecoteTetbury, Cheltenham Saracens
2001–0210AretiansPainswickWestbury-on-Severn, Old Cryptians, Brockworth
2002–0310Old BristoliansChipping SodburyBream
2003–0410TewkesburySouthmeadHucclecote, Brockworth, Cheltenham Saracens
2004–0510Widden Old BoysOld ColstoniansAshley Down Old Boys, Old Cryptians
2005–0610CirencesterFrampton CotterellNo relegation
2006–0712Hartpury CollegeHucclecoteCheltenham Civil Service, Old Cryptians
2007–0812Bristol SaracensSouthmeadBream
2008–0912TewkesburyRoss-on-WyeNo relegation
Green backgrounds are promotion places.

Gloucester 1 (2009–2017)

Despite widespread restructuring by the RFU at the end of the 2008–09 season, Gloucester 1 remained a tier 9 league, with promotion continuing to Gloucester Premier and relegation to Gloucester 2.

Gloucester 1
Season No of teams Champions Runners–up Relegated Teams Ref
2009–1012Old BristoliansBrockworthOld Cryptians, Chipping Sodbury
2010–1112BishopstonLonglevensAretians, Cotham Park, Cheltenham Civil Service
2011–1212PainswickDursleySpartans, Ross-on-Wye, Bream
2012–1312NewentHucclecoteBroad Plain
2013–1412BreamCheltenham SaracensBishopston, Ashley Down Old Boys
2014–1512LonglevensChipping SodburyOld Colstonians, Kingswood
2015–1612Old RichiansGordon LeaguePainswick, Bishopston
2016–1712SpartansGloucester Old BoysBream, Ashley Down Old Boys, Tewkesbury
Green backgrounds are promotion places.

Gloucester 1 (2017–present)

Gloucester 1 remained a tier 9 league with promotion continuing to Gloucester Premier, while relegation was now to either Gloucester 2 North or Gloucester 2 South (formerly a single division). The league was now sponsored by Wadworth 6x.

Gloucester 1
Season No of teams Champions Runners–up Relegated Teams Ref
2017–1812Berry HillWidden Old BoysSt Brendan's Old Boys
2018–1912Ross-on-WyeCheltenham NorthSouthmead, Bredon Star, Brockworth
2019–2012Old CryptiansOld ElizabethansNo relegation
2020–2112
Green backgrounds are promotion places.

Number of league titles

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ Due to the restructuring of the majority of the south-west leagues from 11 to 13 teams for the 1992–93 season, 3rd place Thornbury were also promoted.
  2. ↑ There was no relegation this season as league was due to increase from 11 to 13 teams.
  3. ↑ League restructuring caused by the cancellation of National 5 South meant that champions Cheltenham North were promoted two divisions up into Western Counties North (formerly Western Counties).
  4. ↑ The cancellation of National 5 South meant that clubs ranked 3rd to 9th were also promoted one level up into Gloucestershire/Somerset including Coney Hill, Longlevens, Frampton Cotterell, Old Richians, Bream, Brockworth, Old Cryptians.
  5. ↑ Widespread league restructuring meant that there was no relegation.
  6. ↑ There was no relegation as the division would be expanded from 10 to 12 teams for the next season.

References

  1. ↑ Tony Williams and Bill Mitchell, ed. (1990). "Stroud RFC". Courage Official Rugby Union Club Directory 1990–91 (3rd ed.). Windsor: Burlington Publishing Co. Ltd. p. 457.
  2. ↑ Tony Williams and Bill Mitchell, ed. (1990). "Cheltenham R.F.C. (Ground Details)". Courage Official Rugby Union Club Directory 1990–91 (3rd ed.). Windsor: Burlington Publishing Co. Ltd. p. 191.
  3. ↑ Tony Williams and Bill Mitchell, ed. (1990). "Cheltenham R.F.C. (Ground Details)". Courage Official Rugby Union Club Directory 1990–91 (3rd ed.). Windsor: Burlington Publishing Co. Ltd. p. 191.
  4. ↑ Tony Williams and Bill Mitchell, ed. (1990). "Cheltenham R.F.C. (Ground Details)". Courage Official Rugby Union Club Directory 1990–91 (3rd ed.). Windsor: Burlington Publishing Co. Ltd. p. 191.
  5. ↑ Johns, Stephen; Griffiths, John (1988). Rothmans Rugby Union Yearbook 1988–89 (17th ed.). London: Rothmans Publications Ltd. pp. 123–139. ISBN 0 356 15884 5.
  6. ↑ Johns, Stephen; Griffiths, John (1989). Rothmans Rugby Union Yearbook 1989–90 (18th ed.). London: Rothmans Publications Ltd. pp. 133–136. ISBN 0 356 17862 5.
  7. ↑ Johns, Stephen; Griffiths, John (1990). Rothmans Rugby Union Yearbook 1990–91 (19th ed.). London: Rothmans Publications Ltd. pp. 143–146. ISBN 0 356 19162 1.
  8. ↑ Johns, Stephen; Griffiths, John (1991). Rothmans Rugby Union Yearbook 1991–92 (20th ed.). London: Rothmans Publications Ltd. pp. 164–167. ISBN 0 356 20249 6.
  9. ↑ Johns, Stephen; Griffiths, John (1992). Rothmans Rugby Union Yearbook 1992–93 (21st ed.). London: Rothmans Publications Ltd. pp. 176–179. ISBN 0 7472 7907 1.
  10. ↑ Jones, Stephen; Griffiths, John (1993). Rothmans Rugby Union Yearbook 1993–94 (22nd ed.). London: Headline Book Publishing Ltd. pp. 157–160. ISBN 0 7472 7891 1.
  11. ↑ Jones, Stephen; Griffiths, John (1994). Rothmans Rugby Union Yearbook 1994–95. London: Headline Bookline Publishing. ISBN 0 7472 7850 4.
  12. ↑ Cleary, Mick; Griffiths, John, eds. (1995). Rothmans Rugby Union Yearbook 1995–96. London: Headline Bookline Publishing. ISBN 0 7472 7816 4.
  13. ↑ Cleary, Mick; Griffiths, John, eds. (1996). Rothmans Rugby Union Yearbook 1996-97. London: Headline Book Publishing. ISBN 0 7472 7771 0.
  14. ↑ "1998-99 South-West Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 16 January 2015.
  15. ↑ "1999-00 South-West Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 16 January 2015.
  16. ↑ "2000-01 South-West Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 16 January 2015.
  17. ↑ "2001-02 South-West Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 16 January 2015.
  18. ↑ "2002-03 South-West Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 16 January 2015.
  19. ↑ "2003-04 South-West Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 16 January 2015.
  20. ↑ "2004-05 South-West Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 16 January 2015.
  21. ↑ "2005-06 South-West Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 16 January 2015.
  22. ↑ "2006-07 South-West Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 16 January 2015.
  23. ↑ "2007-08 South-West Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 16 January 2015.
  24. ↑ "2008-09 South-West Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 16 January 2015.
  25. ↑ "2009-10 South-West Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 16 January 2015.
  26. ↑ "2010-11 South-West Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 16 January 2015.
  27. ↑ "2011-12 South-West Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 16 January 2015.
  28. ↑ "2012-13 South-West Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 16 January 2015.
  29. ↑ "2013-14 South-West Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 16 January 2015.
  30. ↑ "2014-15 South-West Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 30 April 2015.
  31. ↑ "2015-16 South-West Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 30 April 2016.
  32. ↑ "2016-17 South-West Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 30 April 2017.
  33. ↑ "2017-18 South-West Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 21 April 2018.
  34. ↑ "2018-19 South-West Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 13 April 2018.
  35. ↑ "Men's South West Level 8 and below leagues 2019–20" (PDF). England Rugby. Retrieved 25 April 2020.