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.
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.
Caldy’s incredible winning run in National Two North continued in Round 12 and their 11th successive victory of the campaign was also enough to see them move to the top of the division.
The National League train rolls into Round 12 this weekend and as we edge closer to the midway point of the campaign, the big fixtures are beginning to come thick and fast.
For the first time this season, European rugby hits our calendars this weekend, but two regions in England will also be hosting some heavyweight battles in the National Leagues.
Fylde are still leading the way in National Two North following an impressive win over Loughborough Students in Round 10.
It has been a week where we have seen the Rugby World Cup come to an end, but never fear, the National Leagues are on hand once again to provide you with your rugby fix.
Normally our reviews begin by highlighting the key talking points or standout results from the weekend, but for this National Two North round-up, rugby pales into insignificance.
.jpg "Third-placed Darlington Mowden Park host Rosslyn Park (2nd) in National One")
There is the small matter of England competing in a World Cup final to look forward to on Saturday, but make no mistake, another fascinating weekend of National League action should also whet the appetite.
Fylde capitalised on the postponement of Caldy’s top of the table clash with Sedgley Park to move to the summit of National Two North.
As we approach the completion of the first third of the campaign, the spotlight will be on both the top and the bottom of National Two North this weekend.
A remarkable comeback from Sedgley Park saw them snatch a late victory at the expense of Chester ahead of a huge couple of weeks in National Two North.
Round Seven in the National Leagues is upon us and as ever, there are some exciting fixtures taking place up and down the country.
The leading pack in National Two North maintained their positive starts to the season as all three sides picked up victories.
Only Caldy and Fylde are yet to taste defeat in National Two North this term, but the latter’s fine start to the season could be put to the test in Round Six.
Otley and Huddersfield secured their first victories of the season after the Yorkshire clubs beat Hinckley and Scunthorpe, respectively in Round Five.
In recent weeks, the spotlight has been on the sides at the top of the division but the attention switches to the wrong end of National Two North in Round Five.
Fylde have made an unbeaten start to the National League season and the club may have celebrated a solid September with a certain drink...
Caldy maintained their winning start to the National Two North season, but they had to battle past Loughborough Students in Round Four.
Caldy’s fine start to life back in National Two North continued as they breezed past Sheffield Tigers in Round Three.
Four teams in National Two North have won both of their opening fixtures and two of those clubs meet this weekend when Caldy visit Sheffield Tigers.
Stourbridge, Caldy, Sedgley Park and Sheffield Tigers all maintained their winning starts to the new National Two North campaign in Round Two.
Following a thoroughly entertaining opening weekend in National Two North, Round Two contains four exciting derby clashes as teams aim to continue their momentum and kick-start their campaigns.
After a season away from National Two North, Luctonians made a winning return to the fourth tier as they defeated Tynedale in Round One.
The new season in National Two North and National Two South kicks off this weekend and after thrilling title races and relegation fights last year, expect another eight months of twists and turns across both leagues.
Tynedale Director of Rugby Ben Woods believes backrow Tom Marshall can make his mark for Scotland in the upcoming World Rugby U20 Championship in Argentina.