National Two is to be split in to three

THE RFU have confirmed the structural changes to level three for the 2022/23 season with National Two set to be split into three leagues.

The changes are designed following feedback from clubs and players responding to their needs and changes in society.

These changes are intended to ‘reboot and reenergise community rugby’, improving player retention and attracting new players to the adult men’s game.

The RFU said: “A flattening of the pyramid (increasing the number of leagues at each level) will help meet the needs of players by reducing travel for matches, helping club sustainability by reducing travel costs. The geographical grouping will bring back, and in some cases introduce more local derbies, which will attract more attention to games.

“Whilst there will still be some outliers, overall, there will be reduced travel time and distances across the whole structure.”

With only 14 teams per division, the 2022/23 season will also deliver a shortened league season, addressing concerns shared by players around the intensity of the current league structure.

National Two West

Barnstaple, Bournville, Clifton, Dings Crusaders, Exeter University, Hinckley, Hornets, Leicester Lions, Loughborough Students, Luctonians, Newport (Salop), Old Redcliffians, Redruth, Stourbridge

National Two East

Barnes, Blackheath, Bury St Edmunds, Canterbury, Dorking, Guernsey Raiders, Henley, North Walsham, Old Albanian, Rochford Hundred, Sevenoaks, Tonbridge Juddians, Westcliff, Worthing Raiders

National Two North

Blaydon, Chester, Fylde, Harrogate, Huddersfield, Hull Ionians, Otley, Preston Grasshoppers, Rotherham Titans, Sedgley Park, Sheffield, Sheffield Tigers, Tynedale, Wharfedale