1995–96 National Division 4
Rugby union competition in England
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The 1995–96 National Division 4 was the ninth full season of rugby union within the fourth tier of the English league system, currently the regional divisions National League 2 South and National League 2 North, and the third and final using the name National Division 4. Impending changes to the league structure by the RFU meant that this would be the last season for National Division 4 as a national league with it reverting to the previous incarnation of two regional leagues - National Division 4 North and National Division 4 North. It would also herald the elimination of National Division 5 North and South, which were to be divided back into four regional divisions - North 1, Midlands 1, London 1 and South West 1. These changes meant that the top 8 teams would be promoted to an expanded National Division 3 while the bottom teams would be transferred into the reintroduced National Division 4 North or South depending on location, where they would be joined by teams from the discontinued National Division 5 North/South divisions.[1]
England| 1995–96 National Division 4 | |
|---|---|
| Countries | England |
| Champions | Exeter (1st title) |
| Runners-up | London Welsh (also promoted)[a] |
| Relegated | No relegation[b] |
| Matches played | 162 |
By the end of the campaign Exeter finished as champions, 4 points ahead of runners up London Welsh. Both champions and runners up were joined by the teams ranked 3rd through to 8th in claiming promotion to the 1996–97 National Division 3. The bottom two sides were Plymouth Albion and Aspatria who would be transferred to National Division 4 South and National Division 4 North respectively.[2]
Structure
Each team played home and away matches against each of the other teams, playing a total of eighteen matches each. Changes to the league structure by the RFU for the 1996-97 season meant that the top eight sides were promoted to National Division 3 while the bottom two were transferred to the new-look National Division 4 North or National Division 4 South depending on locality.
Participating teams and locations
| Team | Stadium | Capacity | City/Area | Previous season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aspatria | Bower Park | 3,000 (300 seats)[3] | Aspatria, Cumbria | 5th |
| Clifton | Station Road | 2,200 (200 seats)[4] | Cribbs Causeway, Henbury, Bristol | Relegated from National 3 (9th) |
| Exeter | County Ground | 5,750 (750 seats)[5] | Exeter, Devon | Relegated from National 3 (10th) |
| Havant | Hook's Lane | 2,000 (200 seats)[6] | Havant, Hampshire | 4th |
| Leeds | Clarence Fields | 7,850 (850 seats)[7] | Leeds, West Yorkshire | 6th |
| Liverpool St Helens | Moss Lane | 4,370 (370 seats)[8][9] | St Helens, Merseyside | 3rd |
| London Welsh | Old Deer Park | 5,850 | Richmond, London | Promoted from National 5 South (1st) |
| Plymouth Albion | Beacon Park | 1,950 (450 seats)[10] | Plymouth, Devon | 8th |
| Redruth | Recreation Ground | 12,000 | Redruth, Cornwall | 7th |
| Walsall | Broadway Ground | 2,250 (250 seats)[c] | Walsall, West Midlands | Promoted from National 5 North (1st) |
League table
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | PF | PA | PD | Pts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exeter (C, P) | 18 | 14 | 0 | 4 | 448 | 230 | +218 | 28 | Promoted |
| 2 | London Welsh (P) | 18 | 12 | 0 | 6 | 424 | 269 | +155 | 24 | |
| 3 | Liverpool St Helens (P) | 18 | 11 | 1 | 6 | 471 | 343 | +128 | 23 | |
| 4 | Walsall (P) | 18 | 10 | 0 | 8 | 406 | 324 | +82 | 20 | |
| 5 | Leeds (P) | 18 | 9 | 1 | 8 | 311 | 345 | −34 | 19 | |
| 6 | Clifton (P) | 18 | 7 | 2 | 9 | 283 | 298 | −15 | 16 | |
| 7 | Redruth (P) | 18 | 7 | 2 | 9 | 358 | 391 | −33 | 16 | |
| 8 | Havant (P) | 18 | 7 | 1 | 10 | 287 | 368 | −81 | 15 | |
| 9 | Aspatria | 18 | 5 | 1 | 12 | 356 | 497 | −141 | 11 | |
| 10 | Plymouth Albion | 18 | 4 | 0 | 14 | 266 | 545 | −279 | 8 |
Rules for classification: Points are awarded as follows: 2 pts for a win, 1 pt for a draw, 0 pts for a loss. If teams are level at any stage, difference between points for and against applies.
(C) Champions; (P) Promoted
Sponsorship
National Division 4 is part of the Courage Clubs Championship and is sponsored by Courage Brewery.
Notes
- The re-organization of the English league system by the RFU meant that the top 8 teams would be promoted to Courage League National 3 for the 1996-97 season.
- This re-organization also meant that there was no relegation with the bottom 2 teams instead being transferred to the new-look Courage League Division 4 South or Courage League Division 4 North for the 1996-97 season.