Regional 1 South West

Level five rugby union league in England From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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.

SportRugby union
Instituted1987; 39 years ago (1987) (as South West 1)
Number of teams12
Country England
Quick facts Sport, Instituted ...
Regional 1 South West
Current season or competition:
2025–26 Regional 1 South West
SportRugby union
Instituted1987; 39 years ago (1987) (as South West 1)
Number of teams12
Country England
HoldersDevonport Services (2nd title) (2025–26
(promoted to National League 2 West))
Most titlesBarnstaple, Bournemouth, Chinnor, Clifton, Devonport Services, Dings Crusaders, Reading (2 titles)
WebsiteEngland Rugby – South West Division
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Devonport Services are the 2025-26 champions and will be promoted to National League 2 West.

Format

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:

  • 4 points are awarded for a win
  • 2 points are awarded for a draw
  • 0 points are awarded for a loss, however
  • 1 losing (bonus) point is awarded to a team that loses a match by 7 points or fewer
  • 1 additional (bonus) point is awarded to a team scoring 4 tries or more in a match

2026–27

Departing were Devonport Services, promoted to National League 2 West while Marlborough (11th) and Matson (12th) were relegated to Regional 2 Severn.

Participating teams and locations

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2025–26

Ten of last years teams participated in this season's competition, with the league made up of five teams from Devon, two each from Cornwall, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire, and one from Somerset. Departing were Barnstaple, promoted to National League 2 West with Devonport Services (12th) replacing them. Ivybridge (12th) were relegated to Regional 2 South West and Topsham, as champions, were promoted from that league.

Participating teams and locations

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League table

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Regional 1 South West 2025–26
Pos Team Pld W D L PF PA PD TB LB Pts Qualification
1 Devonport Services (P) 22 18 1 3 818 504 +314 18 2 94 Promoted
2 Topsham 22 16 2 4 713 501 +212 16 2 86 Promotion play-off
3 Brixham 22 15 0 7 808 515 +293 17 4 81
4 Exmouth 22 12 1 9 711 466 +245 17 4 71
5 St Austell 22 14 1 7 599 458 +141 9 3 70
6 Royal Wootton Bassett [a] 22 11 2 9 689 641 +48 10 3 61
7 Lydney 22 11 2 9 523 473 +50 10 3 61
8 Launceston 22 8 0 14 520 583 −63 10 8 50
9 Sidmouth 22 8 0 14 550 705 −155 13 5 50 Relegation play-off
10 Chew Valley 22 7 0 15 474 741 −267 7 4 39
11 Marlborough (R) 22 3 1 18 420 894 −474 7 3 24 Relegation place
12 Matson (R) 22 4 0 18 341 685 −344 4 2 22
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Updated to match(es) played on 10 May 2026. Source: [4]
Rules for classification: If teams are level at any stage, tiebreakers are applied in the following order:
  1. Number of matches won
  2. Difference between points for and against
  3. Total number of points for
  4. Aggregate number of points scored in matches between tied teams
  5. Number of matches won excluding the first match, then the second and so on until the tie is settled

Play-offs

The champions, Devonport Services, are automatically promoted to next seasons National 2 West. Second-placed Topsham won the Regional 1 South West play-off against third-placed Brixham, while Stourbridge beat Newport in the Regional 1 Midlands play-off. Stourbridge beat Topsham in Round 2 and played Exeter University for the right to play in next seasons National 2 West. Exeter University remain in National League 2 West. In each match the highest placed team play at home.[5]

Promotion play-offs
25 April 2026
14:00
Topsham (2nd)43 – 24Brixham (3rd)
Bonfield Field, Topsham[6]
25 April 2026
Newport (Salop) (2nd)26 – 36Stourbridge (3rd)
The Old Showground, Stourbridge
Round 2
2 May 2026
Topsham12 – 24Stourbridge
Bonfield Field, Topsham
NLR Accession Final
9 May 2026
15:00
Exeter University (12th)64 – 10Stourbridge
Topsham Sports Ground, Exeter
Relegation play-off

The 9th and 10th placed teams held a play-off, with the losing team playing in the Regional 1 Accession Final, against the winner of the Regional 2 Severn promotion play-off. Both Sidmouth and Chew Valley remain in Regional 1 South West.[5]

25 April 2026
14:30
Sidmouth (9th)44 – 41Chew Valley (10th)
Blackmore Field, Sidmouth
Regional 1 Accession Final
9 May 2026
Chew Valley42 – 31Chippenham
Lobbingtons, Chew Magna


2024–25

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.

Participating teams and locations

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League table

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Regional 1 South West 2024–25
Pos Team Pld W D L PF PA PD TB LB Pts Qualification
1 Barnstaple (C) 22 18 1 3 855 367 +488 19 2 95 Promoted
2 Brixham 22 18 1 3 855 497 +358 16 3 93
3 Exmouth 22 16 0 6 886 516 +370 19 5 88
4 St Austell 22 12 0 10 593 579 +14 12 3 63
5 Launceston 22 11 0 11 666 733 −67 14 1 59
6 Sidmouth 22 10 0 12 576 626 −50 14 4 58
7 Matson 22 10 0 12 536 629 −93 12 3 55
8 Royal Wootton Bassett 22 10 0 12 601 608 −7 9 5 54
9 Lydney 22 8 1 13 593 586 +7 10 4 48
10 Marlborough 22 6 1 15 591 737 −146 11 2 39
11 Chew Valley 22 7 0 15 541 768 −227 7 3 38
12 Ivybridge (R) 22 4 0 18 437 1084 −647 7 1 24 Relegated
Close
Updated to match(es) played on 8 April 2025. Source: [8]
Rules for classification: If teams are level at any stage, tiebreakers are applied in the following order:
  1. Number of matches won
  2. Difference between points for and against
  3. Total number of points for
  4. Aggregate number of points scored in matches between tied teams
  5. Number of matches won excluding the first match, then the second and so on until the tie is settled
    (C) Champion; (R) Relegated

2023–24

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.

Participating teams and locations

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League table

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Regional 1 South West 2023–24
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[b]
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
Close
Updated to match(es) played on 6 April 2024. Source: [10]
Rules for classification: If teams are level at any stage, tiebreakers are applied in the following order:
  1. Number of matches won
  2. Difference between points for and against
  3. Total number of points for
  4. Aggregate number of points scored in matches between tied teams
  5. Number of matches won excluding the first match, then the second and so on until the tie is settled
    (C) Champion; (R) Relegated
    Notes:
  1. [a]
    The current table on the RFU site (11 April) gives RWB 62 points
  2. [b]
    5 points deducted

Results

More information Home \ Away, BAR ...
Home \ Away BAR BRI CHV DEV EXM IVY LAU LYD MAT OKE SAU WSM
Barnstaple — 33–20 20–19 41–16 21–17 55–7 26–8 29–10 55–0 45–14 31–17 57–14
Brixham 39–38 — 39–36 28–24 22–45 40–12 46–31 45–20 77–7 88–12 34–34 54–28
Chew Valley 35–19 32–27 — 12–11 21–10 60–31 12–3 36–7 41–0 80–6 44–12 61–6
Devonport Services 23–12 39–22 27–17 — 33–17 61–12 28–18 38–18 39–31 48–7 50–24 55–7
Exmouth 3–26 34–21 27–47 17–20 — 60–14 12–23 40–36 HWO 33–3 27–22 43–18
Ivybridge 16–68 25–42 46–19 17–25 20–11 — 10–24 23–20 18–24 37–23 36–35 29–27
Launceston 20–17 21–28 31–22 6–26 44–5 48–31 — 36–26 46–3 15–20 39–19 62–12
Lydney 10–18 32–29 24–42 20–24 22–31 34–32 38–15 — 44–28 38–19 33–24 34–19
Matson 25–34 10–21 12–17 34–42 31–32 17–14 20–35 27–14 — 29–21 26–20 38–12
Okehampton 8–45 15–41 19–56 19–35 21–22 34–30 30–29 36–10 14–38 — 16–17 12–24
St Austell 8–15 14–19 26–35 5–60 19–3 19–20 19–34 26–24 24–18 27–24 — 41–24
Weston-super-Mare 12–22 12–58 23–43 19–69 38–28 40–25 7–28 25–53 33–14 10–41 31–33 —
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Updated to match(es) played on 6 April 2024. Source: Regional 1 South West
Legend: Blue = home team win; Yellow = draw; Red = away team win.
For upcoming matches, an "a" indicates there is an article about the rivalry between the two participants.

2022–23

This was the first season following the RFU Adult Competition Review.[11]

Nine of the teams who competed in the final season of the SW Premier competition returned. Departing were Exeter University (champions), Hornets (runners-up) and Old Redcliffians (3rd) were promoted to National League 2 West whilst Bournemouth (8th) and Royal Wootton Bassett (13th) were level transferred to Regional 1 South Central.

with five teams leaving and three joining the league was reduced in size from 14 clubs to 12.

Participating teams and locations

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Final league table

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Regional 1 South West 2022–23
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
Close
Updated to match(es) played on 26 March 2023. Source: [13]
Rules for classification: If teams are level at any stage, tiebreakers are applied in the following order:
  1. Number of matches won
  2. Difference between points for and against
  3. Total number of points for
  4. Aggregate number of points scored in matches between tied teams
  5. Number of matches won excluding the first match, then the second and so on until the tie is settled
    (P) Promoted; (R) Relegated

Results

More information Home \ Away, BRI ...
Home \ Away BRI CAM CHV DEV DRY EXM IVY LAU LYD OKE OCE WSM
Brixham — 38–42 43–27 52–13 57–18 16–14 29–15 36–11 20–15 32–14 8–14 22–26
Camborne 33–35 — 38–28 32–19 38–0 44–24 78–18 39–7 42–25 20–26 67–12 37–21
Chew Valley 51–21 18–14 — 34–32 41–26 25–29 48–27 40–9 26–8 41–22 69–19 51–10
Devonport Services 37–18 27–35 16–10 — 19–13 18–15 41–29 25–24 24–17 20–24 17–16 24–22
Drybrook 43–0 10–31 28–33 20–31 — 22–35 12–16 12–29 9–12 36–14 18–16 21–20
Exmouth 25–45 30–39 20–15 35–23 27–10 — 25–18 22–12 17–15 31–17 67–11 68–14
Ivybridge 24–25 26–29 29–30 18–13 37–26 15–13 — 31–30 34–39 42–18 29–18 45–27
Launceston 17–18 20–39 30–14 18–13 33–20 29–24 44–27 — 22–28 17–38 36–22 14–5
Lydney 50–33 43–35 15–53 13–18 13–10 41–23 22–10 22–27 — 57–33 20–14 17–27
Okehampton 27–7 15–17 0–27 7–21 21–17 17–21 41–25 25–24 22–8 — 19–17 28–24
Old Centralians 27–29 10–40 10–27 28–15 20–22 30–13 13–25 10–15 26–10 41–7 — 34–23
Weston-super-Mare 29–44 22–26 13–47 36–41 24–21 27–14 24–42 28–26 19–17 22–10 28–12 —
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Updated to match(es) played on 25 March 2023. Source: Regional 1 South West
Legend: Blue = home team win; Yellow = draw; Red = away team win.
For upcoming matches, an "a" indicates there is an article about the rivalry between the two participants.

2021–22

The first matches were played on 4 September 2021 and the final league matches on 23 April 2022.[14] 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).[15] The RFU will announce the format of the tier 5 leagues during the summer of 2022.

Participating teams

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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Final league table

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2021–22 South West Premier table
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
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Updated to match(es) played on 3 May 2022. Source: [16]
Rules for classification: If teams are level at any stage, tiebreakers are applied in the following order:
  1. Number of matches won
  2. Difference between points for and against
  3. Total number of points for
  4. Aggregate number of points scored in matches between tied teams
  5. Number of matches won excluding the first match, then the second and so on until the tie is settled
    (P) Promoted

2020–21

Due to the ongoing pandemic, the 2020–21 season was cancelled.

2019–20

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.[17] Barnstaple are the champions.

Participating teams

Ten of the thirteen teams participated in last season's competition. They are joined by three promoted sides; Launceston, Newbury Blues and Okehampton.[18][19][20] 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.[21]

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Final league table

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2018–19

Participating teams

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.[23][24][25][26] Dings Crusaders (last season's 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.

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Final league table

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2018–19 South West Premier table
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
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Updated to match(es) played on 9 January 2021. Source: [27]
Rules for classification: If teams are level at any stage, tiebreakers are applied in the following order:
  1. Number of matches won
  2. Difference between points for and against
  3. Total number of points for
  4. Aggregate number of points scored in matches between tied teams
  5. Number of matches won excluding the first match, then the second and so on until the tie is settled
    (P) Promoted; (Q) Qualified for promotion play-off; (R) Relegated

Promotion play-off

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 nineteen play-off matches and the south-east team have won the play-off thirteen times.

More information Team, Pld ...
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
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Source: [27]
(P) Promoted
27 April 2019
Westcliff44 – 5Barnstaple
Westcliff[28]
The Gables, Eastwood
Attendance: 750

2017–18

Participating teams

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.[29][30][31][32] 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).[33][34][35][36]

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Final league table

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2017–18 South West Premier table
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
Close
Updated to match(es) played on 2 January 2021. Source: [38]
Rules for classification: If teams are level at any stage, tiebreakers are applied in the following order:
  1. Number of matches won
  2. Difference between points for and against
  3. Total number of points for
  4. Aggregate number of points scored in matches between tied teams
  5. Number of matches won excluding the first match, then the second and so on until the tie is settled
    (P) Promoted; (Q) Qualified for promotion playoff; (R) Relegated
    Notes:
  1. [a]
    5 points deducted?

Promotion play-off

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.

More information Team, Pld ...
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
Close
Source: [citation needed]
(P) Promoted
28 April 2018
15:00
Guernsey38 – 23Bournemouth
Guernsey
Bournemouth
Footes Lane

2016–17

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.[39][40]

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Final league table

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2016–17 National League 3 South West table
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
Close
Updated to match(es) played on 28 April 2017. Source: [43]
Rules for classification: If teams are level at any stage, tiebreakers are applied in the following order:
  1. Number of matches won
  2. Difference between points for and against
  3. Total number of points for
  4. Aggregate number of points scored in matches between tied teams
  5. Number of matches won excluding the first match, then the second and so on until the tie is settled
    (P) Promoted; (Q) Qualified for the promotion playoff; (R) Relegated
    Notes:
  1. [a]
    5 points deducted?

Promotion play-off

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 beat Dings Crusaders 55 – 5 to win promotion.

More information Team, Pld ...
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
Close
Source: [citation needed]
(P) Promoted
29 April 2017
15:00
Wimbledon55 – 5Dings Crusaders
Wimbledon
Dings
Beverley Meads
Attendance: 350

2015–16

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.

Participating teams

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Final league table

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2015–16 National League 3 South West table
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
Close
Updated to match(es) played on 30 April 2016. Source: "National League 3 South West". England Rugby.
Rules for classification: If teams are level at any stage, tiebreakers are applied in the following order:
  1. Number of matches won
  2. Difference between points for and against
  3. Total number of points for
  4. Aggregate number of points scored in matches between tied teams
  5. Number of matches won excluding the first match, then the second and so on until the tie is settled
    (C) Champion; (P) Promoted; (Q) Qualified for the promotion playoff; (R) Relegated

Promotion play-off

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.[45]

More information Team, Pld ...
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
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Source: [citation needed]
(P) Promoted
30 April 2016
15:00
Tonbridge Juddians30 – 31Barnstaple
Juddians
Barnstaple
The Slade
Attendance: 600
Referee: Matt Turvey

2014–15

Participating teams

More information Team, Ground ...
Team Ground Capacity City/Area Previous season
BarnstaplePottington Road2,000 (575 seats)Barnstaple, Devon8th
BournemouthChapel Gate1,500Bournemouth, Dorsetrelegated from National League 2 South
BracknellLily Hill Park1,250Bracknell, Berkshire3rd
BrixhamAstley Park1,800 (300 stand)Brixham, Devon7th
ChardThe Park, Essex Close[41]Chard, Somersetpromoted from South West 1 West
ExmouthImperial Recreation Ground1,250 (250 stand)Exmouth, Devonrelegated from National League 2 South
HornetsHutton Moor Park[41]1,100 (100 stand)Weston-super-Mare, Somersetpromoted from South West 1 West
Newton AbbotRackerhayes1,150 (150 stand)Newton Abbot, Devon4th
Old CentraliansSaintbridge Sports CentreGloucester, Gloucestershire11th
Old PatesiansEverest RoadCheltenham, Gloucestershire10th
Old RedcliffiansScotland Lane[41]1,000Brislington, Bristol6th
Oxford HarlequinsMarston Ferry RoadNorth Hinksey, Oxfordshirepromoted from South West 1 East
RedingensiansOld Bath RoadSonning, Berkshire2nd
Weston-super-MareRecreation Ground[41]3,000Weston-super-Mare, Somerset9th
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Final league table

More information Pos, Team ...
2014–15 National League 3 South West
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
Close
Updated to match(es) played on 4 May 2015. Source: "National League 3 South West". England Rugby.
Rules for classification: If teams are level at any stage, tiebreakers are applied in the following order:
  1. Number of matches won
  2. Difference between points for and against
  3. Total number of points for
  4. Aggregate number of points scored in matches between tied teams
  5. Number of matches won excluding the first match, then the second and so on until the tie is settled
    (C) Champion; (P) Promoted; (Q) Qualified for promotion playoff; (R) Relegated

Promotion play-off

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.[46]

More information Team, Pld ...
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
Close
Source: [citation needed]
(P) Promoted
25 April 2015
14:30
Exmouth22 – 27Barnes
Imperial Recreation Ground
Attendance: 1,000

After extra time (80 mins: 22 – 22)

2013–14

League winners

Relegated

Transferred

Final league table

More information Pos, Team ...
2013–14 National League 3 South West Final table
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
Close
Updated to match(es) played on 9 May 2014. Source: [47][48]
Rules for classification: If teams are level at any stage, tiebreakers are applied in the following order:
  1. Number of matches won
  2. Difference between points for and against
  3. Total number of points for
  4. Aggregate number of points scored in matches between tied teams
  5. Number of matches won excluding the first match, then the second and so on until the tie is settled
    (C) Champion; (P) Promoted; (R) Relegated
    Notes:
  1. [a]
    Old Centralians deducted 5 points

2012–13

2011–12

2010–11

2009–10

The first season as a national league

2007–08

More information Pos, Team ...
2007–08 South West Division 1 table
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]
Close
Updated to match(es) played on 2008 April 19. Source: rfu.com
Notes:
  1. [a]
    Oxford Harlequins and Bournemouth were deducted two points each for fielding ineligible players
  2. [b]
    St Ives were deducted two points for failing to field a team against Bracknell

Original teams

When league rugby began in 1987 this division contained the following teams:

Regional 1 South West honours

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.[49] 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.[50] 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.[51] 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.

South West 1 (1987–1993)

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).

More information Season, No of teams ...
South West 1
Season No of teams No of matches Champions Runners-up Relegated teams Ref
1987–881110RedruthHigh WycombeBournemouth[52]
1988–891110CliftonHigh WycombeTorquay Athletic, Bridgwater & Albion[49]
1989–901110MaidenheadWeston-super-MareOxford[49]
1990–911110High WycombeReadingMatson, Stroud, Taunton[49]
1991–921110Berry HillCinderfordNo relegation[53]
1992–931312ReadingHenleyPenryn[54]
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South West 1 (1993–96)

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).

More information Season, No of teams ...
South West 1
Season No of teams No of matches Champions Runners-up Relegated teams Ref
1993–941312HenleyCheltenhamGordon League[55]
1994–951312CheltenhamNewburyStroud[56]
1995–961312NewburyGloucester Old BoysCinderford[57]
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South West 1 (1996–2009)

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).

More information Season, No of teams ...
South West 1
Season No of teams No of matches Champions Runners-up Relegated teams Ref
1996–971222Bridgwater & AlbionLauncestonBrixham, Camborne[58]
1997–981222BracknellLauncestonHigh Wycombe, St Ives[59]
1998–991222Penzance & NewlynLauncestonSalisbury[60]
1999–001222LauncestonKeynshamMatson, Stroud[61]
2000–011222Old PatesiansCinderfordBerry Hill, Truro, Torquay Athletic, Gloucester Old Boys[62]
2001–021222Weston-super-MareDings CrusadersStroud, Maidenhead, Swanage & Warham, Dorcester[63]
2002–031222Dings CrusadersReadingBerry Hill, Marlow[64]
2003–041222ReadingCinderfordBarnstaple, Truro[65]
2004–051222CinderfordBridgwater & AlbionSt Mary's Old Boys, Gloucester Old Boys, Keynsham[66]
2005–061222ChinnorCliftonPenryn, Cheltenham, Spartans[67]
2006–071222Mounts BayCleveChippenham, Clevedon, Reading Abbey[68]
2007–081222ChinnorBracknellReading, Maidenhead, St Ives[69]
2008–091222CliftonBracknellNo relegation[70]
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National League 3 South West (2009–2017)

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).

More information Season, No of teams ...
National League 3 South West
Season No of teams No of matches Champions Runners-up Relegated teams Ref
2009–101426TauntonOld PatesiansMaidenhead, Chippenham, Reading[71]
2010–111426Hartpury CollegeBournemouthCleve, Coney Hill, Cheltenham[72]
2011–121426BournemouthChinnorBridgwater & Albion, Newbury Blues, Old Redcliffians[73]
2012–131426London Irish AmateurExmouthMaidenhead, Oxford Harlequins, Malvern[74]
2013–141426LydneyRedingensiansChippenham, Avonmouth Old Boys, Worcester Wanderers[75]
2014–151426RedingensiansExmouthChard, Oxford Harlequins, Weston-super-Mare[76]
2015–161426ExmouthBarnstapleChippenham, Old Patesians, Old Centralians[77]
2016–171426Old RedcliffiansDings CrusadersBromsgrove, Salisbury, Launceston[78]
Green background are the promotion places.
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South West Premier (2017–2022)

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.

More information Season, No of teams ...
South West Premier
Season No of teams No of matches Champions Runners-up Relegated teams Ref
2017–181426Dings CrusadersBournemouthLydney, Hornets, Newbury Blues[79]
2018–191426BournemouthBarnstapleOld Patesians, Newton Abbot, Cleve[80]
2019–2013[a]20[b]BarnstapleWeston-super-MareBracknell, Newbury Blues[83]
2020–211426Cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom.
2021–221426Exeter UniversityOld RedcliffiansHornets also promoted.
Green background are the promotion places.
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Regional 1 South West (2022–2025)

From 2022–23 season the number of tier 5 leagues was increased from four to six.

More information Season, No of teams ...
Regional 1 South West
Season No of teams No of matches Champions Runners-up Relegated teams Ref
2022–231222CamborneChew ValleyOld Centralians (11th) and Drybrook (12th)[13]
2023–241222Devonport ServicesBarnstapleOkehampton (11th) and Weston-super-Mare (12th)[84][13]
2024–251222BarnstapleBrixhamIvybridge (12th)[85]
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Regional 1 South West (2025– )

Regional 1 South West continued to be a tier 5 league. Promotion and relegation play-offs were introduced.

More information Season, No of teams ...
Regional 1 South West
Season No of teams No of matches Champions 2nd 3rd Relegated teams Ref
2025–261222Devonport ServicesTopshamBrixhamMarlborough (11th) and Matson (12th)[4]
Green background is the promotion place.
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Promotion play-offs

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.

More information Season, Home team ...
South West Premier v London & South East Premier promotion play-off results
Season Home team Score Away team Venue Attendance Reference
2000–01Cinderford (SW)26–10Havant (LSE)Dockham Road, Cinderford, Gloucestershire
2001–02Basingstoke (LSE)29–13Dings Crusaders (SW)Down Grange, Basingstoke, Hampshire[86]
2002–03Haywards Heath (LSE)34–21Reading (SW)Whiteman's Green, Cuckfield, West Sussex[87][88]
2003–04Hertford (LSE)25–14Cinderford (SW)Highfields, Ware, Hertfordshire[89]
2004–05Worthing Raiders (LSE)26–30Bridgwater & Albion (SW)Roundstone Lane, Angmering, West Sussex1,200[90][91]
2005–06Richmond (LSE)3–12Clifton (SW)Athletic Ground, Richmond, Greater London1,100[92][93]
2006–07Ealing Trailfinders (LSE)48–16Cleve (SW)Trailfinders Sports Ground, Ealing, Greater London[94][95]
2007–08Worthing Raiders (LSE)18–5Bracknell (SW)Roundstone Lane, Angmering, West Sussex[96][97]
2008–09Barnes (LSE)39–18Bracknell (SW)Barn Elms, Barnes, Greater London[98][99]
2009–10Old Albanian (LSE)15–0Old Patesians (SW)Woollam Playing Fields, St Albans, Hertfordshire[100][101]
2010–11Hertford (LSE)23–22Bournemouth (SW)Highfields, Ware, Hertfordshire1,000[102][103]
2011–12Chinnor (SW)19–8Tonbridge Juddian (LSE)Kingsey Road, Thame, Oxfordshire[104][105]
2012–13Exmouth (SW)21–20Dorking (LSE)Imperial Recreation Ground, Exmouth, Devon[106][107]
2013–14Old Elthamians (LSE)17–10Redingensians (SW)Queen Mary Sports Ground, Chislehurst, Kent1,350[108][109]
2014–15Exmouth (SW)22–27 (aet)Barnes (LSE)Imperial Recreation Ground, Exmouth, Devon1,000[110][111]
2015–16Tonbridge Juddian (LSE)30–31Barnstaple (SW)The Slade, Tonbridge, Kent600[112][113]
2016–17Wimbledon (LSE)55–5Dings Crusaders (SW)Beverley Meads, Raynes Park, Greater London350[114]
2017–18Guernsey (LSE)38–23Bournemouth (SW)Footes Lane, Saint Peter Port, Guernsey[115]
2018–19Westcliff (LSE)44–5Barnstaple (SW)The Gables, Eastwood, Essex750[116][117]
2019–20Cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom. Best ranked runner up – Guernsey (LSE) – promoted instead.
2021–22Cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom.
2022–23Cancelled due to national league reorganisation.
Green background represent the promoted teams. (LSE = London & South East teams while SW = South West teams).
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Number of league titles

Note

  1. [a]
    League reduced to 13 teams following the withdrawal of Birmingham & Solihull from Midlands Premier, leaving level 5 with an imbalance of teams.[21]
  2. [b]
    Due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom the RFU cancelled all rugby below the Premiership with most clubs in South West Premier having played 20 games, and a best playing record formula was used to decide the final table.[81][82]
  3. [c]
    Penzance & Newlyn are now known as the Cornish Pirates.

See also

References

External links

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