Counties 3 Hampshire
English level 10 Rugby Union league
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Counties 3 Hampshire (formerly Hampshire 1) is an English level 9 Rugby Union league for teams based in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Up until the 2017–18 season it was known as Hampshire 2 but was changed to Hampshire 1 following the 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 3 Hampshire.
Current season or competition: 2024–25 Counties 3 Hampshire | |
| Sport | Rugby union |
|---|---|
| Instituted | 1987 (as Hampshire 2) |
| Number of teams | 10 |
| Country |  England |
| Most titles | Isle Of Wight (3 titles) |
| Website | englandrugby.com |
Each year some of the clubs in this division also take part in the RFU Junior Vase - a level 9-12 national competition.
Promoted teams move up to Counties 2 Hampshire. Relegated teams drop down to Counties 4 Hampshire.
The points system is as follows.
- 4 points awarded for a win.
- 2 points awarded for a draw.
- 0 points awarded for a loss.
- 1 "bonus" (+) point awarded for scoring 4 tries (or more).
- 1 "bonus" (+) point awarded for losing by 7 points (or fewer).
No team can get more than 5 points in a match. Points awarded are the same regardless of the outcome at home or away.
Teams for 2026-27
Departing were Ventnor and Tottonians II both promoted to Counties 2 Hampshire.
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  Aldershot & Fleet Alton Andover II Ellingham & Ringwood II Fawley Isle of Wight Lymington Overton Locations of the 2026-27 Counties 3 Hampshire teams in Hampshire & the Isle of Wight
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Teams for 2025–26
Departing were Andover II, Romsey and Southampton, all to Counties 2 Hampshire.
Farnham III were initially placed in the league with Overton (9th) having been relegated to Counties 4 Hampshire. However, shortly before the season began Overton were reinstated in the higher league with Farnham III taking their place in Counties 4 Hampshire.
Eastleigh II (7th in 2024-25) began the campaign but subsequently withdrew in November leaving nine clubs to contest the outstanding fixtures.
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Locations of the 2025-26 Counties 3 Hampshire teams in Hampshire & Surrey  Isle of Wight Ventnor Locations of the 2025-26 Counties 3 Hampshire teams on the Isle of Wight
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Teams for 2024–25
Departing were Havant III, Isle Of Wight and Fareham Heathans, all promoted to Counties 2 Hampshire. Alresford were relegated to Counties 4 Hampshire.
Joining were Tottonians II, relegated from Counties 2 Hampshire and Southampton, promoted from Counties 4A Hampshire.
With four teams departing and two joining the league was reduced from twelve to ten sides.
Christchurch (9th in 2023–24) started but did not finish the season, leaving nine sides to complete the remaining fixtures.
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Locations of the 2024-25 Counties 3 Hampshire teams in Hampshire & Dorset Ventnor Locations of the 2024-25 Counties 3 Hampshire teams on the Isle of Wight
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Teams for 2023–24
Departing were Guernsey Vikings, Locksheath Pumas and Winchester II, all promoted to Counties 2 Hampshire, whilst Gosport & Fareham II (12th) were relegated to Counties 4 Hampshire.
Joining were Alresford and Eastleigh II, relegated from Counties 2 Hampshire together with Christchurch and Aldershot & Fleet, promoted from Counties 4A Hampshire.
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Aldershot & Fleet Alresford Andover II Christchurch Eastleigh II Fareham Overton Romsey Locations of the 2023-24 Counties 3 Hampshire teams in Hampshire & Dorset Isle of Wight Ventnor Locations of the 2023-24 Counties 3 Hampshire teams on the Isle of Wight
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Teams for 2022–23
This was the first season following the RFU Adult Competition Review[1] with the league adopting its new name of Counties 3 Hampshire.
Departing were Tottonians II and United Services Portsmouth, promoted to Counties 2 Hampshire. Fawley (3rd) did not return for the new season.
Joining were Havant III, Andover II and Winchester II, all promoted from Hampshire 2, together with Locksheath Pumas, relegated from Hampshire Premier, and Guernsey Vikings
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Locations of the 2022-23 Counties 3 Hampshire teams in Hampshire & the Channel Islands Isle of Wight Ventnor Locations of the 2022-23 Counties 3 Hampshire teams on the Isle of Wight
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Teams for 2021–22
Lockheath Pumas RFC finished 4th in 2019-20, but were promoted to Hampshire Premier for the current season, their place was taken by US Portsmouth who had withdrawn from London 3 South West in season 2019-20.
Farnborough who, were relegated from Hampshire Premier (12th) in 2019-20, fulfilled their early fixtures but subsequently withdrew from the league in November 2021.
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.
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Locations of the 2021-22 Hampshire 1 teams in Hampshire & West Sussex Isle of Wight Ventnor Locations of the 2021-22 Hampshire 1 teams on the Isle of Wight
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Season 2020–21
On 30 October the RFU announced [2] that a decision had been taken to cancel Adult Competitive Leagues (National League 1 and below) for the 2020/21 season meaning Hampshire 1 was not contested.
Teams for 2019–20
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Locations of the 2019-20 Hampshire 1 teams in Hampshire & West Sussex Isle of Wight Ventnor Locations of the 2019-20 Hampshire 1 teams on the Isle of Wight
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Teams for 2018–19
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Andover II Alton Ellingham & Ringwood Farnborough Locks Heath Overton Romsey Southampton Locations of the 2018-19 Hampshire 1 teams in Hampshire Isle of Wight Ventnor Locations of the 2018-19 Hampshire 1 teams on the Isle of Wight
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Participating clubs 2017–18
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Aldershot Anton Chineham Farnborough Fawley Locks Heath Romsey Nomads Southampton Locations of the 2017-18 Hampshire 2 teams
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Participating clubs 2016–17
- Aldershot & Fleet
- Alresford
- Alton
- Fawley
- Kingsclere
- Loxheath Pumas (relegated from Hampshire 1)
- Lymington Mariners
- Nomads
- Overton
- Southampton
Participating clubs 2015–16
- Aldershot & Fleet
- Alresford
- Alton (relegated from Hampshire 1)
- Fawley
- Kingsclere
- Nomads
- Overton
- Romsey (relegated from Hampshire 1)
- Southampton
- Ventnor
Participating clubs 2014–15
- Aldershot & Fleet
- Alresford
- Chineham
- Fawley
- Locksheath Pumas
- Kingsclere
- Overton (relegated from Hampshire 1)
- Southampton (relegated from Hampshire 1)
- Southsea Nomads
- Ventnor
Participating clubs 2013–14
| Position | Team | Games | Won | Drew | Lost | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Petersfield | 18 | 17 | 0 | 1 | 80 |
| 2 | Fareham Heathens | 18 | 14 | 0 | 4 | 70 |
| 3 | Locksheath Pumas | 18 | 13 | 1 | 4 | 64 |
| 4 | Ventnor | 18 | 12 | 0 | 6 | 60 |
| 5 | Fawley | 18 | 12 | 0 | 6 | 53 |
| 6 | Chineham | 18 | 9 | 1 | 8 | 49 |
| 7 | Southsea Nomads | 18 | 7 | 0 | 11 | 36 |
| 8 | Aldershot & Fleet | 18 | 4 | 0 | 12 | 11 |
| 9 | Stoneham | 18 | 1 | 0 | 17 | 5 |
| 10 | Alresford | 18 | 2 | 0 | 14 | -3 |
Petersfield and Fareham Heathens promoted into Hampshire 1 at the end of the season.
Participating clubs 2012–13
- Alresford
- Chineham
- Fareham Heathens
- Fawley
- Locksheath Pumas
- Lymington Mariners
- Nomads (relegated from Hampshire 1)
- Overton
- Solent University
- Stoneham
- Ventnor (relegated from Hampshire 1)
Original teams
Hampshire 1 honours
Hampshire 2 (1987–1993)
Originally known as Hampshire 2, it was tier 9 league with promotion up to Hampshire 1 and as it was the lowest league level in the region, there was no relegation.
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| Season | No of Teams | Champions | Runners–up | Relegated Teams | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1987–88 | 10 | Fordingbridge | Guernsey | No relegation | ||||||||||
| 1988–89 | 10 | Petersfield | Andover | No relegation | ||||||||||
| 1989–90 | 13 | Isle Of Wight | Farnborough | No relegation | ||||||||||
| 1990–91 | 12 | Tottonians | Fareham Heathens | No relegation | ||||||||||
| 1991–92 | 11 | New Milton & District | Farnborough[c] | No relegation | ||||||||||
| 1992–93 | 12 | Trojans | Romsey | No relegation | ||||||||||
| Green backgrounds are promotion places. | ||||||||||||||
Hampshire 2 (1993–1996)
The creation of National 5 South meant that Hampshire 2 dropped from a tier 9 league to a tier 10 league for the years that National 5 South was active. Promotion continued to Hampshire 1, while the introduction of Hampshire 3 ahead of the 1994–95 season meant that there was now relegation.
Hampshire 2 (1996–2000)
The cancellation of National 5 South at the end of the 1995–96 season meant that Hampshire 2 reverted to being a tier 9 league. Promotion and relegation continued to Hampshire 1 and Hampshire 3 respectively.
Hampshire 2 (2000–2009)
The introduction of London 4 South West ahead of the 2000–01 season meant Hampshire 2 dropped to become a tier 10 league. Promotion and relegation continued to Hampshire 1 and Hampshire 3 respectively.
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| Season | No of Teams | Champions | Runners–up | Relegated Teams | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000–01[5] | 9 | Fareham Heathens | Nomads | Team Solent | ||||||||||
| 2001–02[6] | 10 | New Milton & District | Eastleigh | Overton, Kingsclere | ||||||||||
| 2002–03[7] | 9 | Isle Of Wight | Fawley | East Dorset, Ventnor | ||||||||||
| 2003–04[8] | 8 | Alresford | Nomads | Kingsclere, Overton | ||||||||||
| 2004–05[9] | 8 | Aldershot & Fleet | Ellingham & Ringwood | Lytchett Minster, Fawley | ||||||||||
| 2005–06[10] | 9 | Farnborough | Eastleigh | Locksheath Pumas, Kingsclere, Ventnor | ||||||||||
| 2006–07[11] | 9 | East Dorset | Fordingbridge | Alresford, Fawley | ||||||||||
| 2007–08[12] | 9 | Eastleigh | Romsey | Chineham, Ventnor | ||||||||||
| 2008–09[12] | 8 | Aldershot & Fleet | Fareham Heathens | No relegation[e] | ||||||||||
| Green backgrounds are promotion places. | ||||||||||||||
Hampshire 2 (2009–2018)
Hampshire 2 remained a tier 10 league despite national restructuring by the RFU. Promotion was to Hampshire 1 and there was no relegation due to the cancellation of Hampshire 3 at the end of the 2008–09 season.
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| Season | No of Teams | Champions | Runners–up | Relegated Teams | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009–10[13] | 12 | Isle Of Wight | Ventnor | No relegation | ||||||||||
| 2010–11[14] | 9 | Nomads | Lytchett Minster | No relegation | ||||||||||
| 2011–12[15] | 10 | Southampton | Aldershot & Fleet | No relegation | ||||||||||
| 2012–13[16] | 11 | Team Solent | Overton | No relegation | ||||||||||
| 2013–14[17] | 10 | Petersfield | Fareham Heathens | No relegation | ||||||||||
| 2014–15[18] | 10 | Locksheath Pumas | Chineham | No relegation | ||||||||||
| 2015–16[19] | 10 | Romsey | Ventnor | No relegation | ||||||||||
| 2016–17[20] | 10 | Alresford | Overton | No relegation | ||||||||||
| 2017–18[21] | 9 | Farnborough[f] | Romsey | Multiple teams[g] | ||||||||||
| Green backgrounds are promotion places. | ||||||||||||||
Hampshire 1 (2018–present)
Restructuring of the Hampshire leagues saw Hampshire 2 renamed as Hampshire 1. It remained a tier 10 league with promotion to Hampshire Premier (formerly Hampshire 1) and relegation returned to the newly introduced Hampshire 2 (formerly Hampshire 3).
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| Season | No of Teams | Champions | Runners–up | Relegated Teams | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018–19[22] | 10 | Alton | Ellingham & Ringwood[h] | Andover II | ||||||||||
| 2019–20[23] | 12[i] | Chichester II | Overton | Southampton | ||||||||||
| 2020–21 | 12 | |||||||||||||
| Green backgrounds are promotion places. | ||||||||||||||
Number of league titles
- Isle Of Wight (3)
- Aldershot & Fleet (2)
- Alresford (2)
- Farnborough (2)
- New Milton & District (2)
- Petersfield (2)
- Romsey (2)
- Ventnor (2)
- Alton (1)
- Andover (1)
- Chichester II (1)
- East Dorset (1)
- Eastleigh (1)
- Esso (1)
- Fareham Heathens (1)
- Fordingbridge (1)
- Locksheath Pumas (1)
- Nomads (1)
- Overton (1)
- Sandown & Shanklin (1)
- Southampton (1)
- Team Solent (1)
- Tottonians (1)
- Trojans (1)
See also
Notes
- Despite finishing as champions Farnborough were not promoted at the end of the 2017-18 season due to the Hampshire leagues being restructured.
- Despite finishing as runners up Romsey were not promoted at the end of the 2017-18 season due to the Hampshire leagues being restructured.
- 3rd place Andover also promoted.
- The creation of Hampshire 3 for the following season meant that six teams were relegated including Basingstoke Wombats, Ellingham & Ringwood, Nomads, Fleet, Alresford, and Waterlooville.
- No relegation as Hampshire 3 would be abolished for the following season with all teams from that division moving up into Hampshire 2.
- No teams were promoted this season due to the Hampshire leagues being restructured for the 2018-19 season.
- The restructuring of the Hampshire leagues would see the creation of a new Hampshire 2 division into which four teams were relegated into, including Chineham, Southsea Nomads, Aldershot & Fleet, Fawley.
- 3rd place Farnborough also promoted.
- A number of new teams joined the league including Chichester II and Southampton University Hospitals.