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.
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.
Ollie Fox admits England have their sights set on gaining revenge over Ireland when the teams meet in the World U20 Championship.
Ampthill and District, Hull Ionians and Rams RFC were crowned champions of their respective leagues last month but attention has already turned to the start of the 2019/20 season after the National League fixtures were announced.
The dust has now settled on another wonderful season in the fourth tier of English rugby and there was no shortage of drama in both National Two North and National Two South.
Canterbury clinched promotion to National One for the first time in their history as they came from behind to defeat Chester in the National Two play-off.
Chris Heal previews the 2018/19 National Two Play-Off as Canterbury take on Chester for a place in National One.
Chester prepared for their National Two play-off with a dramatic win over Preston Grasshoppers on the final day of the season.
Chester will be looking to maintain their excellent recent form when they travel to Preston Grasshoppers on the final day of the National Two North season.
Hull Ionians have been promoted to National One after clinching the National Two North league title against Leicester Lions.
National Two North leaders Hull Ionians can secure an immediate return to National One when Leicester Lions head to Brantingham Park on Saturday.
Chester’s top two aspirations were dented in Round 28 as Sedgley Park produced a superb display to defeat the National Two North promotion hopefuls.
Chester can take yet another step towards a top two finish in National Two North if they can clinch a positive result against an in-form Sedgley Park in Round 28.
Chester were able to take a huge step towards a top two finish in National Two North as they hammered rivals Huddersfield in Round 27.
The National Leagues enter Round 27 and there are two huge clashes at the summit of both National One and National Two North this weekend.
Chester have created some breathing space between themselves and their fellow promotion contenders after a significant win over rivals Fylde at Woodlands.
It’s the final run in and teams across England are lining up for a final push to get them promotion. The RFU National Leagues cover the whole of the country, from Tynedale to Plymouth.
Chester or Fylde can potentially take an important step towards a top two finish in National Two North when the sides meet at Woodlands on Saturday.
Chris Johnson kicked five penalties in a fine individual performance as he guided Huddersfield to a vital win against Tynedale.
Huddersfield will be looking to reignite their promotion challenge on Saturday when they travel to Tynedale in National Two North.
After falling to a narrow defeat against Wales in Round Three of the Six Nations, their clash with Italy provided a more successful evening for England’s U20s.
Johnny Matthews scored tries for fun when he plied his trade in England and his habit has continued north of the border.
Sedgley Park dented Hull Ionians’ promotion bid following an excellent display against the league leaders at Brantingham Park.
Hull Ionians will be looking to stay in control of the National Two North promotion battle when they come up against Sedgley Park on Saturday afternoon.
Hull Ionians strengthened their promotion ambitions with an excellent victory over title rivals Huddersfield in Round 24.
.jpg "Huddersfield meet Hull Ionians as the top two face off this weekend")
Hull Ionians and Huddersfield will have their sights set on victory this weekend as both clubs clash in a mouth-watering title battle in National Two North.
There may have only been 13 fixtures across the National Leagues on the weekend, but there was no shortage of entertainment in all three divisions.