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.
Westcliff and Bournemouth are still searching for their first wins of the National Two South campaign, but something has got to give when both sides clash in Round Six.
National Two South leaders Tonbridge Juddians continued their flying start to the new campaign as they defeated potential promotion rivals Taunton Titans.
All eyes would have been on Taunton last weekend when they faced Henley Hawks in National Two South and the Titans are once again under the microscope in Round Five.
Taunton Titans against Henley Hawks was billed as the game of the weekend in National Two South and it certainly didn’t disappoint.
With early league leaders Henley Hawks travelling to an unbeaten Taunton Titans side in Round Four, this is undoubtedly the standout fixture.
After the dust had settled on Round Two, Henley Hawks and Tonbridge Juddians lit up the headlines but this weekend two more unbeaten teams step into the limelight
Two of last year’s promotion candidates are showing their credentials already in National Two South as both Henley Hawks and Tonbridge Juddians shone on the second weekend of the season.
With Dings Crusaders earning promotion back to the fourth tier in 2018, it meant followers of National Two South would be treated to six Bristol-based derbies.
All five of the division’s newcomers tasted defeat on the opening weekend of the new National Two South season.
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.
Former Exeter Chief Matt Jess discusses this weekend’s South West Beach Rugby festival which aims to raise awareness for mental health + he talks about his transition out of professional rugby, representing Taunton and his new venture with Cornish Pirates.
It would be easy to select a National Two South Team of the Season which is completely dominated by Rams RFC, but after a superb campaign, there is more than another talent across the division to choose from.
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.
National Two South champions Rams RFC secured their 28th win of a remarkable campaign as they beat play-off contenders Canterbury.
Canterbury will be looking forward to their National Two play-off at the start of May, but first they conclude the domestic campaign by hosting National Two South champions Rams RFC.
Canterbury secured a place in the National Two play-off as the City Men made it 11 wins in a row against Barnes.
Canterbury will look to confirm their place in the National Two play-off when they face Barnes in Round 29 this weekend.
Rams RFC have clinched the National Two South title and automatic promotion to the third tier of English rugby following their victory over Clifton.
Rams RFC travel to Clifton on Saturday afternoon knowing that if they win at Station Road, then promotion to National One will be confirmed.
London Irish Wild Geese have become the first side in National Two South to suffer relegation this season after they were well beaten by Henley Hawks.
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.
Canterbury boosted their chances of securing the National Two South play-off spot as they came from behind to secure a bonus-point victory over Henley Hawks.
Canterbury and Henley Hawks clash this weekend in National Two South as both clubs continue to battle for the play-off spot.
Chris Johnson kicked five penalties in a fine individual performance as he guided Huddersfield to a vital win against Tynedale.
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.
Guernsey have given themselves hope of pulling off a remarkable escape from relegation following an excellent win over Old Redcliffians.
Henley Hawks and Birmingham and Solihull will head into Round 25 of the National Two South season aiming to enhance their respective aims for the remainder of the campaign.
Birmingham and Solihull defeated rivals London Irish Wild Geese to boost their survival hopes in National Two South.
Birmingham and Solihull and London Irish Wild Geese will look to enhance their chances of avoiding relegation when the sides meet on Saturday afternoon.
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.
This weekend, we have a round of rescheduled National League fixtures following postponements from earlier in the campaign.
Canterbury scored six tries to record a comfortable and important National Two South win against Birmingham and Solihull at the Marine Travel Ground.
Canterbury will be looking to maintain their National Two South play-off bid when they host Birmingham and Solihull on Saturday.
Rams RFC’s 17-game winning run in National Two South came to an end in Round 22 as the league leaders were beaten by Tonbridge Juddians.
Birmingham and Solihull and Guernsey will play arguably their most important game of the season so far when the sides meet at Portway on Saturday.