National League 1

The third tier of English rugby is one of the most competitive divisions in the country. With National 1 only offering one promotion place, the race for a spot in the Championship is always an important one and with some of the players in this league having professional experience under their belts, there is no shortage of quality.

Welcome to December: A month which could make or break the second half of the season for some

Welcome to December: A month which could make or break the second half of the season for some

There are just three more rounds to go before National League Rugby takes a break for Christmas, but you get the sense that each remaining weekend will have an impact on how clubs feel heading into 2024.

Changing pictures elsewhere but Leeds Tykes and Luctonians continue status quo

Changing pictures elsewhere but Leeds Tykes and Luctonians continue status quo

Shifts at the bottom of National One and the summit of National Two East make for an interesting lead up to Christmas while Leeds Tykes and Luctonians could well be at the top of their respective trees.

John Okafor Exclusive: Huge National League clash, Rotherham's resurgence and the 'uncomfortable truth' of racism in rugby

John Okafor Exclusive: Huge National League clash, Rotherham's resurgence and the 'uncomfortable truth' of racism in rugby

The Rotherham Titans lock discusses facing former side Leeds Tykes in a top-of-the-table battle, the upturn of both teams + why he thinks Ugo Monye's allegations of racist abuse can provide the sport with an opportunity to make a change.

 
Round 10 in National League Rugby proves there will be more twists between now and Christmas

Round 10 in National League Rugby proves there will be more twists between now and Christmas

Jostling for position in National One and gripping drama in National Two East sets the tone for the next month in tiers three and four.

 
National League Rugby x TRU: An invitation to Guernsey

National League Rugby x TRU: An invitation to Guernsey

We were invited over to Guernsey Raiders to learn more about the club, the community and why it is such an enjoyable trip for visiting teams.

Could Round 10 in National League Rugby begin to shape the season for many?

Could Round 10 in National League Rugby begin to shape the season for many?

With key fixtures rapidly approaching across the board, this weekend could be key for many sides wanting to achieve their aspirations.

More twists at the top as Round Nine adds to intriguing stage in National League Rugby season

More twists at the top as Round Nine adds to intriguing stage in National League Rugby season

With many eye-catching fixtures between now and the end of the month, Round Nine's set of results only added to the interest.

Barnes on course for another strong season in an increasingly competitive National Two East

Barnes on course for another strong season in an increasingly competitive National Two East

The battles towards the top of National Two East is providing a competitive outlook and once again, Barnes find themselves in the mix.

The domestic game is centre stage again - and here's why you should be watching National League Rugby

The domestic game is centre stage again - and here's why you should be watching National League Rugby

International stars have returned to Premiership duties but further down the pyramid, levels three and four continue to deliver.

National League Rugby returns – The run-in to Christmas starts here

National League Rugby returns – The run-in to Christmas starts here

After Storm Ciaran hit the country this week, the whirlwind that is National League Rugby returns this weekend with the season set to intensify between now and Christmas.

A quartet of teams receive a shot in the arm while Leeds Tykes, Dorking and Luctonians march on

A quartet of teams receive a shot in the arm while Leeds Tykes, Dorking and Luctonians march on

Leicester Lions, Taunton Titans, Worthing Raiders and Bournville ripped up the form book in Round Seven.

Chasing packs and early strugglers look to end first block of season in positive manner

Chasing packs and early strugglers look to end first block of season in positive manner

The the last Saturday before the first break in the National League Rugby season has plenty to offer.

Too early to talk about basement battles and top two clashes? Round Six in National League Rugby says otherwise...

Too early to talk about basement battles and top two clashes? Round Six in National League Rugby says otherwise...

Teams at the wrong end will be eager to begin October on the front foot while in National Two West, the leading pair collide.

Lymm snatch astonishing win at Fylde on a weekend of comebacks, thrills and spills

Lymm snatch astonishing win at Fylde on a weekend of comebacks, thrills and spills

Events at Woodlands arguably made newly promoted Lymm's dramatic victory over Fylde the standout result of the National League Rugby weekend.

We've reached the end of the opening month in National League Rugby but who can sign off from September on a high?

We've reached the end of the opening month in National League Rugby but who can sign off from September on a high?

And just like that, the first month of action is almost over but who will be able to step into October with something to build on?

Dorking and Barnes the headline act in National League Rugby after picking up from where they left off

Dorking and Barnes the headline act in National League Rugby after picking up from where they left off

After finishing second and third in National Two East last season, Dorking and Barnes have maintained their high standards.

Drama at Darlington, Tykes tick along, a win for Wimbledon and excellent Exeter

Drama at Darlington, Tykes tick along, a win for Wimbledon and excellent Exeter

We were not short of narratives in Round Three with eye-catching scorelines and brilliant drama packed into another fascinating weekend.

The make up of Round Three has created some exciting narratives - even this early in the National League season

The make up of Round Three has created some exciting narratives - even this early in the National League season

Season-defining fixtures? Not in the slightest but the way the fixtures have fallen in Round Three sets up some intriguing contests.

Great crowds and absorbing contests - Life in National League Rugby is never dull and Round Two was no different

Great crowds and absorbing contests - Life in National League Rugby is never dull and Round Two was no different

Rosslyn Park overcome Richmond, Lewis Minikin shines for Hull Ionians, double delight for the Ford family and a crowd of over 2,500 watch Camborne defeat Redruth.

Derby days in National League Rugby will only add to bumper weekend

Derby days in National League Rugby will only add to bumper weekend

While the world's best are set to do battle in France, there is still plenty of exciting action to get stuck into across National League Rugby.

The Caldy story continues - 'It's huge for the fanbase to see the club that they love playing against Leicester'

The Caldy story continues - 'It's huge for the fanbase to see the club that they love playing against Leicester'

TRU have followed Caldy's rise and now the club are preparing for an historic clash against the famous Leicester Tigers.

Newly promoted trio set the tone for entertaining opening weekend across National League Rugby

Newly promoted trio set the tone for entertaining opening weekend across National League Rugby

Round One suggests there might be a step up in drama once again, encapsulated by victories for Sedgley Park, Blackheath and Leicester Lions. 

National League Rugby 2023/24: Season Preview

National League Rugby 2023/24: Season Preview

It is not unrealistic to say levels three and four produced the most exciting rugby across the English game last year and it's nearly time to do it all again.

England's discipline issues highlight 'need for consistency' across the game

England's discipline issues highlight 'need for consistency' across the game

Recent red cards shown to England have only encouraged more question marks to resurface regarding player safety and the new tackle height laws in the community game.

'We sort of tipped him for the World Cup then' - Why Theo Dan could be a crucial part of Steve Borthwick's arsenal

'We sort of tipped him for the World Cup then' - Why Theo Dan could be a crucial part of Steve Borthwick's arsenal

With the injury to Luke Cowan-Dickie, the Saracens youngster could find himself on his way to a World Cup.

Can the Premiership's failings be a positive for National League Rugby?

Can the Premiership's failings be a positive for National League Rugby?

The demise of London Irish bookended one of the darkest Premiership campaigns to date but could the lower levels of the English game offer some light to players and supporters alike?

National League Rugby fixtures announced for 2023-24 campaign

National League Rugby fixtures announced for 2023-24 campaign

The fixtures for the 2023-24 National League Rugby season have been released by the Rugby Football Union and the new campaign will get underway on Saturday, September 2nd.

National League Rugby stars shine as Kent defeat Lancashire in thrilling County Championship final

National League Rugby stars shine as Kent defeat Lancashire in thrilling County Championship final

Some of the stars of National League Rugby played their part in an enthralling County Championship final.

League compositions for levels three and four confirmed for 2023/24 season

League compositions for levels three and four confirmed for 2023/24 season

The Rugby Football Union have released the league compositions for the 2023/24 National League Rugby season, with six new teams coming up from level five.

National Two North title-winning prop signs for Northampton Saints

National Two North title-winning prop signs for Northampton Saints

Sedgley Park's title-winning forward Beltus Nonleh has signed a professional contract with Northampton Saints ahead of the 2023/24 season.

Cambridge boss Richie Williams: 'The Championship is something we will attack'

Cambridge boss Richie Williams: 'The Championship is something we will attack'

The long-term future of the Championship is seemingly up in the air but Cambridge's promotion is the 'feel good' story which should underpin the 'grassroots' game.

Cambridge ready for one last cup final as day of destiny awaits

Cambridge ready for one last cup final as day of destiny awaits

Richie Williams and Cambridge have displayed immense resolve to take this sensational National One title race to the wire and now the Blood and Sand can create history on Saturday.

Cambridge one game away from history as National One title race goes the distance

Cambridge one game away from history as National One title race goes the distance

With so much talk and debate surrounding the future of the Championship, in the short-term, the second tier could be welcoming a new club in the form of Cambridge.

RFU Council approve tackle height reduction

RFU Council approve tackle height reduction

The RFU Council have voted to adopt law changes in regards to lowering the tackle height in the community game which will come into force from July 1st.

It all comes down to this…or does it? ‘Final day’ of National League Rugby season has plenty riding on it

It all comes down to this…or does it? ‘Final day’ of National League Rugby season has plenty riding on it

This engrossing National One title race has gone the distance but will it be decided this weekend?

Title candidates don't put a foot wrong, Mose and DMP safe and Sedge return to third tier

Title candidates don't put a foot wrong, Mose and DMP safe and Sedge return to third tier

The race for a place in the Championship will go to the final day as Rams RFC, Sale FC and Cambridge all secured maximums.

After a decade away, Sedge are closing in on National One while relegation dominates the East and West

After a decade away, Sedge are closing in on National One while relegation dominates the East and West

The National Two North title is within touching distance for Sedgley Park while North Walsham take on Rochford Hundred.

National One set for one of the most exciting finales in recent memory

National One set for one of the most exciting finales in recent memory

With a three-horse race for promotion to the Championship, one of the most exciting leagues in English rugby is gearing up for an absorbing finale.

 
Exclusive - Stourbridge DoR Neil Mitchell provides latest on potential Atlas partnership

Exclusive - Stourbridge DoR Neil Mitchell provides latest on potential Atlas partnership

With continued speculation surrounding the future of Stourbridge, Neil Mitchell spoke exclusively to TRU.

 

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