The 2022/2023 season will see a change to how rugby is structured in the adult male game. These positive changes will deliver a revised structure, rebranding and new Cup competition.

These are the most significant changes made to the competition structure in 30 years and are designed following feedback from clubs and players responding to their needs and changes in society. These changes are intended to reboot and re-energise community rugby, improving player retention and attracting new players to the adult men’s game.

The main changes are:

NAME NUMBER OF LEAGUES LEAGUE SIZE CUP COMPETITION
National 1 14 (down from 16) No
National 2 3 (up from 2) 14 (down from 16) No
Regional 1 6 (up from 4) 12 (down from 14) Yes
Regional 2 12 (up from 8) 12 (down from 14) Yes
Counties 1-5 Minimum 16 ** 10 - 12*** Yes

* All cups to take place post-season with mid-season entry

**Dependent on new entries

***League size flexible depending on the effect of regionalisation and local need

So, we'll be in Regional 1 North East which will be made up initially of the following clubs:

Alnwick RFC,
Billingham RUFC,
Cleckheaton RUFC,
Doncaster Phoenix RUFC ,
Driffield RUFC,
Heath RUFC,
Ilkley RUFC,
Paviours RFC,
Sandal RUFC,
Scunthorpe RUFC,
West Bridgford RFC
York RUFC.

All cup competitions will be played at the end of the season.

League fixtures will be out in June!