57-508: 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 . 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
114-615: A decade. During this period they also became one of the top club sides in Devon winning five county cups in this period, including four in a row between 1998 and 2002. This period of success came to an end when Barnstaple suffered consecutive relegations to fall to the lowest level in the club's history so far, dropping to Western Counties West (tier 7) by 2005. Thankfully, the club quickly righted itself and three seasons (and two promotions) later found themselves back in South West 1. This climb back up
171-470: A girls side. The club colours are red and white and their nickname is Barum. The clubs rivals are Bideford RFC , with an annual festive fixture played between the sides that attracts good crowds, despite the clubs currently playing in different divisions. Barnstaple Rugby Football Club was officially founded in 1877 at a meeting held at the Fortesque hotel. The first Chairman of the club was Mr W. A. Bilney,
228-473: 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. Each season, the runners-up in the National League 3 London & SE , and National League 3 South West participate in
285-605: A new league structure would be implemented in the community game from 2022–23. The new structure which was partly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic will be reviewed every three years and saw the following changes: Below level 6 leagues sizes will depend on number of teams and geographical location. In February 2021, the RFU approved a moratorium on relegation from both the Premiership and Championship in response to uncertainty caused by
342-464: 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. After extra time (80 mins: 22 – 22) The first season as a national league When league rugby began in 1987 this division contained
399-465: 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. Each season, the runners-up in the National League 3 London and SE, and National League 3 South West participate in
456-471: 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 destroyed their opponents Dings Crusaders 55 – 5 to win promotion. 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
513-475: A second tier of professional competition. The former National Division One was decreased from 16 clubs to 12 to accommodate the new fixture structure. For the first three seasons this included: Starting with the 2012–13 season , the second group stage was discontinued. The top four teams at the end of the home-and-away season entered play-offs to determine the league champion, which earned promotion providing Premiership entry standards were met. The bottom team at
570-459: A sign of professionalism. In the 1970s the RFU allowed the creation of regional merit leagues with the most significant ones being the North, Midlands, South West and London merit leagues. In 1984 the RFU approved the creation of two national merit tables where clubs had to play a minimum of eight games against the clubs in their division. 1985 saw the creation of a third national merit league. In 1987 this
627-404: A smaller stand on the opposite side, and along with the main pitch there are three alternative pitches for second XV and colts games, as well as a couple of smaller pitches suitable for younger age ranges/minis. Parking is available at the ground for 100+ cars but space can be limited so alternative parking nearby in town followed by a short walk may be necessary on busy days. The current capacity of
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#1732891518942684-529: 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). 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. Promotion continued to National League 2 South and relegation to either South West 1 East or South West 1 West . From 2022–33 season
741-525: Is the top level league in England, containing the best 10 professional clubs. The premiership still includes strict ground criteria and a salary cap that must be met by all participants. Promotion from the Championship remains (subject to eligibility), however the bottom side have not been relegated since the end of the 2019–20 season. The club seeking promotion must meet the minimum standards criteria. The champion
798-483: Is the top team in the RFU Championship after the league season. A play-off system was previously in place to decide which team were crowned champions. It was hoped this would bring to an end a select number of clubs bouncing between the leagues. (For example, each season between 2005–06 and 2008–09 saw the club relegated to National Division One earning promotion to the Premiership the following season, and also either
855-407: Is transferred from Regional 1 South Central . 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. This
912-541: The RFU Championship which replaced the old National Division One. This league also had 12 teams, and like the Premiership, is professional . Beneath the two professional leagues, the National Leagues were restructured to include a new 16 team National League 1 , 16 team National League 2 South and 16 team National League 2 North . The four top regional leagues became part of National League 3 at level five. For
969-472: The 200th for Will Topps. Back at level 5 of the RFU's pyramid in 2018–19, Barnstaple bounced back well and finished the season in second place behind champions Bournemouth. This qualified Barnstaple for another promotion play-off, this time in Essex at Westcliff RFC . However, the trip was not a fruitful one, with a depleted Barnstaple side losing heavily. Barnstaple did lift silverware this season however, winning
1026-471: The 2015–16 season when they won the promotion play-off game away at Tonbridge Juddians , reaching National League 2 South , which at tier 4 was the highest level reached in the club's league history to date. In 2016–17 Barnstaple finished 14th of 16 teams in the division, but were reprieved from relegation by the collapse of London Welsh in the RFU Championship. Barnstaple recorded 9 wins and 1 draw from 30 games, despite having lost 7 of their first 8 games of
1083-410: The 2017-18 season, the National League 3 leagues were renamed to have Premier as part of their title in order to make a distinction between regional rugby union and the National Leagues above. Other changes that season saw London 3 North East be replaced by two new leagues - London 3 Eastern Counties and London 3 Essex - with teams transferred depending on location. In 2020, it was announced that
1140-503: The 2022–23 season in Counties 2 Tribute Devon. Barnstaple's ground of Pottington Road is on the road of the same name, next door to Barnstaple Town Football Club . It is located in town on the north bank of the River Taw , and is about 20–30 minutes' walk from Barnstaple railway station , which is across the river to the south. The rugby ground consists of a main stand next to the club-house,
1197-460: The COVID-19 pandemic. It was also confirmed that league structure and minimum standards criteria for promotion were being reviewed. The moratorium only covered relegation and did not include promotion from the Championship meaning the Premiership expanded to 13 teams with the Championship reduced to 11 in 2021–22 with the promotion of Saracens . In June 2021, as part of the wider review the moratorium
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#17328915189421254-561: The Devon Cup final at home against Exmouth thanks in part to hat tricks from Winston James and Will Topps. Having remained in the South West Premier division in 2019–20 Barnstaple again mounted a promotion bid and were top of the table, requiring 8 match points from their remaining three games (a possible 15 points) when the global pandemic Coronavirus caused the suspension of all rugby in England on 16 March. Barnstaple were also top of
1311-560: The Devon Senior Cup standings and in prime position to secure a second successive home final at the time of the suspension. Following the league restructuring of National 2 South into two leagues West and East, 2022–23 season sees Barnstaple Chiefs playing along the M5 corridor in National 2 West while Barnstaple Athletic find themselves playing in a competitive league for the first time as they begin
1368-511: The West' and claimed notable victories against the likes of Llanelli and Saracens . In 1921 Barnstaple moved from Rumsam to the clubs present Pottington Road Ground at Pottington Road. With the advent of the leagues in 1987, Barnstaple found themselves placed at tier 6 of the English rugby union league system in what was then known as South West 2 . By the mid-1990s the club had achieved promotion to South West 1 where they would remain for over
1425-673: The current champions. 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: 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)
1482-467: The end of home-and-away season was relegated to, and replaced by the champions of, the third tier National League 1 . From 2017–18 through to 2019–20 and from 2021–22 , the championship play-off was eliminated. The league-season champions earned automatic promotion (again, assuming that they meet Premiership standards). Relegation criteria did not change. However, there was a moratorium placed on relegation in both 2020–21 and 2021–22 . From 2023–24
1539-513: The first captain Mr W. H. TOLLER, and games in the early days were played at Rumsam. The club won silverware in 1894 when they claimed the Devon League Cup , becoming one of the strongest clubs in the county, forming a rivalry with Devonport Albion , and producing two international players for England - Charlies Harper and Charles Thomas. During the 1896–97 season Barnstaple were crowned 'Champions of
1596-795: 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 19 play-off matches and the south-east team have won the play-off thirteen times. 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 . 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 ). Each season,
1653-651: The following teams: 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. This system prevailed for five seasons, and in 1992–93
1710-479: The ground is approximately 2,000, which includes around 575 seated (450 in the main stand, 150 in the stand opposite), with the rest standing. This capacity figure is representative of the sell-out crowd experienced against local rivals Bideford Rugby Football Club in the 2016 festive fixture between the two sides. [REDACTED] Cecil Pritchard – capped 8 times by Wales in the 1920s. Played part of his career at Barnstaple and Torquay Athletic when he moved to
1767-512: The highest level, down to amateur regional leagues. Promotion and relegation are in place throughout the system. Women's Rugby union in England consists of 26 leagues, which includes a national semi-professional league at the highest level, down to amateur regional leagues. Promotion and relegation are in place throughout the system, with the exception of the Women's Premiership . Historically, there were no leagues allowed as these were seen as
Regional 1 South West - Misplaced Pages Continue
1824-441: 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. Each season, the runners-up in the National League 3 London and SE, and National League 3 South West participate in
1881-559: The leagues also coincided with repeated Devon Cup success, with four titles won in a row between 2008 and 2011. In 2007, Jerry Collins , former New Zealand captain, played a game for Barnstaple's 2nd team while visiting family in the Devon town, and later wore the club's socks when playing for the Barbarians against South Africa on 1 December 2007 . Barnstaple stabilised itself in tier 5 as it became known as National League 3 South West. The club continued to play in this division up until
1938-447: The level 4 National League 2 East , National League 2 West or National League 2 North depending on geographical location. The fourth tier is increased to three leagues of 14 teams each. The three league champions are promoted, with the bottom two in each league relegated to their respective regional division. With the restructuring, levels 5–11 became the new regional system. There are now 6 Regional 1 leagues, which are connected to
1995-492: 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. 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. Devonport Services are
2052-433: The national leagues by promotion and relegation. The table below shows the current structure of the system. For each division, its official name, sponsorship name (which differs from its historic name) and number of clubs is given. At levels 1–3, each division promotes to the national division(s) that lie directly above it and relegates to the national division(s) that lie directly below it. Below that level, clubs relegate to
2109-1044: The nearest local league. Level 1 Premiership Rugby 10 clubs 2 RFU Championship 12 clubs 3 National League 1 14 clubs 4 National League 2 North 14 clubs National League 2 East 14 clubs National League 2 West 14 clubs 5 Regional 1 North East 12 clubs Regional 1 North West 12 clubs Regional 1 South East 12 clubs Regional 1 South Central 12 clubs Regional 1 South West 12 clubs Regional 1 Midlands 12 clubs 6 Regional 2 North 12 clubs Regional 2 North East 12 clubs Regional 2 North West 12 clubs Regional 2 Anglia 12 clubs Regional 2 South East 12 clubs Regional 2 Thames 12 clubs Regional 2 South Central 12 clubs Regional 2 South West 12 clubs Regional 2 Severn 12 clubs Regional 2 Midlands West 12 clubs Regional 2 Midlands North 12 clubs Barnstaple RFC Barnstaple Rugby Football Club
2166-451: 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 . 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. This system prevailed until 2009–10 when
2223-475: 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. 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 ). The top six teams from South West 1 and
2280-495: The number of tier 5 leagues was increased from four to six. 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
2337-688: The ongoing pandemic, the 2020–21 season was cancelled. 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. Barnstaple are the champions. Ten of the thirteen teams participated in last season's competition. They are joined by three promoted sides; Launceston , Newbury Blues and Okehampton . 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
Regional 1 South West - Misplaced Pages Continue
2394-556: The play-offs and Bournemouth's second. Bournemouth's previous appearance was in 2011 when they lost to Hertford 23 – 22. 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
2451-418: The promotion or relegation of Leeds Carnegie ). Debate still continues over the question of promotion and relegation, but with the strict criteria fears are reduced. From 2023–24, the last placed team from the Premiership will playoff against the Championship winner (subject to promotion eligibility) for a place in the following season's Premiership. The new RFU Championship was formed in 2009–10 to provide
2508-416: 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
2565-427: 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
2622-469: The season, as they struggled to adjust to the higher standard of rugby in the national leagues. The end of this season saw the retirement of veteran loosehead prop Mark Berry, who debuted during the Devon Cup winning season of 1998. In 2017–18 Barnstaple again finished in 14th place, this time being relegated to (the newly named) South West Premier. Relegation came despite Barnstaple winning 10 games and drawing one, meaning they recorded more wins than each of
2679-493: 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. English rugby union system Men's Rugby union in England consists of 106 leagues, which includes professional leagues at
2736-727: The summer of 2022. 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). Due to
2793-406: 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 ). 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
2850-465: The two teams placed immediately above them. A lack of try bonus points proved costly, as did the home defeats to Cinderford and Chinnor , who finished first and second in the league respectively. In both games Barnstaple led after 80 minutes were played, but lost to last minute scores by the visitors. The season was also notable for including the 250th first team appearance of captain Winston James and
2907-422: The winner (subject to eligibility) will contest a playoff with the bottom placed team in the Premiership for a place in the next season's Premiership. The new National League structure includes: The National League 1 was decreased from 16 to 14 teams. This resulted in a 26-game season on a home and away basis. The champions are promoted to the level 2 RFU Championship, and the bottom three sides are relegated to
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#17328915189422964-622: The withdrawal of Birmingham & Solihull from the league system meant that they stayed put, leaving South West Premier with just thirteen 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 . Dings Crusaders (last seasons 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 . Each season,
3021-525: Was established in 1877 and is a rugby union club based in Barnstaple , Devon . The club's first team play in the 5th tier of the English rugby union system , Regional 1 South West , following their relegation from National League 2 West in 2022–23. The first team are called the Chiefs, and there are also 2nd and 3rd teams (Athletic and Buccaneers), a number of youth teams from under-7s to under-18s (colts), and
3078-464: Was extended by a further two years in the Premiership and also included relegation from the Championship in 2021–22 and promotion from the Championship following the 2022–23 season. This means the Premiership may be further expanded to 14 teams in 2022–23 and the Championship may be reduced to 10. A summary of changes is outlines below: Promotion remains subject to minimum standards which have been reviewed and include several factors. Premiership Rugby
3135-479: Was formed into a true national league system. The format and competitiveness of the leagues has changed greatly since the leagues were first formed and a widespread and global restructuring of the leagues was announced in November 2008, for implementation from the 2009–10 season. Under this new structure, the top league remained the 12-team Gallagher Premiership . The second tier league was rebranded and restructured as
3192-473: Was the first season following the RFU Adult Competition Review. The first matches were played on 4 September 2021 and the final league matches on 23 April 2022. 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 ). The RFU will announce the format of the tier 5 leagues during
3249-427: 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). 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
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