National 2, the fourth tier of English rugby, is split into two opposing leagues –National Two North and National Two South - with the standard of each exceptionally high. Many of the top clubs could easily compete in National 1. The budgets and crowds are not as large, but the spectacle for fans is excellent.
Talking Rugby Union brings you all of the results and reaction from the leagues, with highlighted match reports and features for big games plus we are also partnered with the NCA.
The Covid-19 pandemic has, and will continue to, hit local clubs hard and the RFU have begun shaping the future at the lower levels of the game.
Following the early end of the rugby season in England, the RFU have confirmed the final league positions for the Championship, Tyrrells Premier 15s and community game.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, there have been a number of measures put in place to protect our vital cash flow which will have impacted a lot of people, including the rugby community.
Loughborough's season of celebration has hardly ended in the way that they imagined due to the coronavirus pandemic, but Joe Harvey has looked into what makes the institution so successful.
Today, in a letter to the rugby clubs in England, Bill Sweeney, RFU CEO, has confirmed the end of the 2019/20 season for all league, cup and county rugby in England with the exception of the Premiership.
Ten National League fixtures did take place on the weekend and they did have an impact on all three divisions as we, hopefully, approach the final five matches of the season.
Whilst sporting events across the world are being suspended due to the coronavirus outbreak, the National Leagues continue this weekend and it is set to be a significant Saturday.
Round 25 in the National Leagues saw title battles continue and champions crowned as the final furlongs of a gripping season come into view.
Another National League season is entering its final knockings and once again, it has been a term to savour. TRU previews Round 25 across both National One and National Two.
Despite the eternal optimism of the preview on Friday, there were in fact four NCA fixtures postponed over the weekend.
So, back to reality. Hopefully. After two weeks of disruption across the National Leagues, we are back to a full fixtures list.
After so many disruptions because of the weather, the fallow weekend of rearranged fixtures was also interrupted by the conditions.
Before Storm Dennis last weekend, we had a much lighter weekend of fixtures.
Despite the dire weather, there were still 12 games that did take place over the weekend, so let’s take a look at what happened in the National Leagues this weekend.
Last weekend was interrupted by storm Ciara, but this week it is the turn of storm Dennis to cause some menace across the country this weekend.
There were many sporting fixtures which fell foul to Storm Ciara over the course of the weekend, but thankfully, the National Leagues weren’t affected.
Once again, it is another weekend to look forward to in the National Leagues, with stories at both ends of the table likely to change over the course of Round 22.
Caldy opened up a 17-point lead at the top of National Two North following a comfortable victory over Otley in Round 21.
We have arrived at the final 10 games of the season (for the majority of clubs) and across all three leagues, there are stories still waiting to be written.
Jacob Umaga was one of the uncapped youngsters called up to England’s squad and TRU caught up with his Dad, Mike and his former coach, Chris Campbell.
In just over a weeks’ time, Sale Sharks will be kicking off against Saracens in the Premiership Rugby Cup semi-finals.
The battle to avoid relegation in National Two North intensified greatly on Saturday as three sides all picked up potentially crucial victories.
.jpg "Henley Hawks could take a huge step towards promotion from National Two South this weekend")
This National League season refuses to be dull. All three divisions continue to write their own headlines and as the final stretch moves into vision, there is still a lot to play for.
Round 19 in the National Leagues was billed as one of the most exciting weekends of the season and Saturday certainly didn’t disappoint.
This is a good time to be following the National Leagues and Round 19 is full of sub-plots which will change the dynamic at both ends of the respective tables.
Caldy maintained their remarkable winning run in National Two North after they recorded their 17th successive victory of the season against Loughborough Students.
Swat away those January blues and settle in for one of the most exciting weekends of National League rugby so far this season.
An excellent display by Preston Grasshoppers saw them clinch a welcome win in National Two North as they defeated Scunthorpe in Round 17.
Happy New Year to everyone and welcome to the start of a fresh decade in the National Leagues. We preview the action from Round 17 across all three divisions.
With it being the final round of fixtures before the festive break, we have decided to deliver a more condensed review from Round 16 in the National Leagues which included some monumental scorelines and results.
As the Sky Sports advert goes: “Christmas is a time to play a friendly game or two”, but in the National Leagues, there will be no early gifts.
Worcester Warriors have made an encouraging start to the season - and their belief in youth and development is continuing to grow.
Fylde’s top two aims suffered a dent in Round 15 as the second-placed side were beaten by Sheffield Tigers.
And just like that, the 2019/20 National League campaign has reached its halfway mark. Four months have flown by, but the drama and thrilling action has not wavered.
Huddersfield battled to a hard-fought victory over Loughborough Students to lift themselves out of the relegation places in National Two North.
A winding down period before Christmas couldn’t be further from the truth across the National Leagues.
Luctonians have moved two points above the relegation places in National Two North following an excellent display against rivals Preston Grasshoppers.
The Christmas decorations are starting to get unpacked and Shakin’ Stevens seems to be constantly on the radio as the final weekend of November is upon us.
England World Cup star Tom Curry chats to TRU about the important role National League rugby can play when it comes to improving players.