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.
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.
Tonbridge Juddians produced a strong second-half performance and held off promotion rivals Henley Hawks to edge a nail-biting contest at Dry Leas.
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.
There was yet another change at the summit of National Two South as Tonbridge Juddians moved into pole position.
.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.
Taunton Titans’ promotion hopes suffered a blow in Round 18 after losing to rivals Henley Hawks.
One of London Irish’s newest recruits, James Stokes, chatted to Talking Rugby Union about his rise to the Gallagher Premiership via the National Leagues.
Swat away those January blues and settle in for one of the most exciting weekends of National League rugby so far this season.
Tonbridge Juddians, Henley Hawks and Taunton Titans all had to battle to kick off the New Year with victories in National Two South.
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.
Tonbridge Juddians are still leading the way in National Two South after they came from behind to beat Bury St Edmunds.
Will Capon dislocated his shoulder 12 months ago, but a year on, the Bristol Bears hooker is relishing his time with one of the most exciting and ambitious teams in Europe.
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.
Westcliff and Bournemouth strengthened their survival bids in National Two South as both clubs recorded excellent home wins in Round 14.
A winding down period before Christmas couldn’t be further from the truth across the National Leagues.
Taunton Titans were narrowly beaten by Leicester Lions in Round 13 which allowed Tonbridge Juddians to return to the summit of National Two South.
It has been a tough few weeks for the Premiership and European champions, but Saracens' young players have continued to display their talent and it is nothing new.
Gary Kingdom scored all 22 of Taunton Titans’ points as the National Two South leaders defeated Bury St Edmunds in Round 12.
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.
Taunton Titans produced an excellent comeback against Dings Crusaders to clinch a victory which saw them return to the top of National Two South.
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.