Following the conclusion of the 24/25 season, the Regional 1 and 2 leagues for Season 25/26 have been configured in line with the process laid down by the RFU Regulations and protocol. It should be remembered that Regional One and Regional Two are effectively National leagues organised into geographical clusters to minimise travel at each level. The impact of promotion and relegation in and out of both levels variously changes the landscape year on year throughout the country. This inevitably can sometimes cause the boundary lines to change for the benefit of a range of clubs across more than one league, but there will always be instances of clubs being on one side of a boundary and a neighbouring club on the other side. You can see the make up here.
The majority of placements are very straightforward with the invaluable assistance of a mapping tool which visually provides obvious groupings of clubs. The challenge then is to incorporate all the outlying clubs whereby the travel onus is shared as equitably as possible.
This is where mileages sometimes have to be calculated to aid the process, and determine which clubs are placed in which leagues. This is sense checked with the Regional Organising Committee (ROC) and in some cases, it is necessary to delegate final decisions to the ROC who have the necessary local knowledge of how best to allocate their clubs.
In some instances it is necessary to utilise the ‘exceptional circumstance’ proviso, but any amendment has to fit within that definition and be truly exceptional to merit a change from one league to another. There may be a discussion with impacted clubs to explain the issue and agree the final positioning. One such example on this occasion was leaving a club in the same league as last season, as the alternative being would have seen the club yo-yoed between two leagues for the fourth season in succession.
I very much hope that all 216 clubs will look forward to their 25/26 league programme and the opportunity to play some of their traditional fixtures and make new contacts with clubs in their leagues. Any feedback should be addressed to your Regional Organising Committee but you are now able to publicise your opposition for 25/26 season.
Work will now commence on preparation of fixtures which will be published no later than 14th June.
Terry Burwell
Chair, RFU Adult Competitions Management SC
22 May 25
