Managed by the National Clubs Association (NCA), the National Leagues represent the 3rd and 4th tier of rugby in England, compromising of three divisions; National League 1, National League 2 North and National League 2 South.

Points scoring

A club is awarded 4 points for winning a match. Two (2) points are awarded to each club for a drawn match. One (1) bonus point is awarded to a club who scores 4 tries or more in any one game and for any club who loses by 7 points or less in any one game.

Promotion/ Relegation

At the end of the current season the bottom club of the Championship is relegated to National League 1 and the top club of National League 1 is promoted. The bottom 3 clubs from National league 1 are relegated - As far as National League 2 North and National League 2 South are concerned the top club in each league is promoted to National 1. There is a play off between the 2nd placed teams in 2 North and South for the 2nd promotion place. The bottom three clubs in each league are relegated.

Club Positions

If two or more Clubs have the same number of League points at the end of the season the final league positions shall be determined firstly by the number of wins achieved and then on the basis of match points scored. A Club with a larger number of wins in the League shall be placed higher than a Club with the same number of League points but fewer wins. If Clubs have equal League points and an equal number of wins in the League then a Club with a larger difference between match points “for” and match points “against” shall be placed higher in the League than a Club with a smaller difference between match points “for” and match points “against”. Should two Clubs have the same number of League points and an equal number of wins and the same match points difference, a Club having scored more match points “for” shall be placed higher in the League than a Club having the lesser number of match points “for”. If this still does not establish the positions then the Clubs involved shall be ranked according to the number of matches won, excluding the first League match of the season. If necessary this process shall be extended to exclude the second match, third match and so on until the final positions are established