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.
There will be no official competitive rugby for the semi-professional game this season, after the NCA agreed to cancel the proposed Cup competition.
With a new lockdown now enforced, the 2020/21 season for National League clubs may pass them by altogether.
The RFU has suspended all community rugby activity until further notice following the government's new national lockdown.
Speaking to Wasps Rugby Head of Recruitment and Academy Kevin Harman, TRU learn about how he and his staff have adapted in order to find their academy players game time during the pandemic.
The Rugby Football Union has voted in favour for a new competition structure for community rugby which will come into effect in the 2022/23 season.
The National Clubs Association have announced the groupings for their cup competition which is set to begin February 2021.
The NCA has announced that the start of the cup competition will be delayed following the Government COVID announcement at the start of December.
Former international hooker Benjamin Kayser hopes the adaptations to the community game are only short-term fixes.
Chris Heal and the Looseheadz team are joined by broadcasting royalty this week as they chatted to John Inverdale about his affiliation with rugby, the importance of mental health and his career in the media.
The NCA has welcomed the news from the Rugby Football Union and Government regarding a return to 15-a-side contact rugby, with some adaptations.
Chris Heal speaks to several people involved in community rugby as the situation around the lower levels of the game continues to be discussed.
Given that there will be no league rugby this season, the Rugby Football Union have put into place a cup competition for National League clubs.
NCA Chairman John Inverdale has provided an update on a return to rugby as a 'cup competition' is proposed for levels 3 and 4.
With a second lockdown starting on Thursday, haleys have outlined the reliefs being offered by the Government during this period.
In a week when the finale of the delayed Six Nations puts rugby firmly back in the spotlight, NCA clubs are understandably still concerned about how the game may be restarted at levels 3 and 4.
.jpg "Joe Simmonds will lead Exeter Chiefs in Saturday's Champions Cup final at Ashton Gate")
TRU has spoken to some of the the fly-half's former players and coaches about his rise to the top of club rugby as Exeter Chiefs target a double winning season.
The National League season will not start before January 2021 at the earilest following the increased uncertainty caused by the Government’s additional restrictions.
With many businesses, including rugby clubs, still able to receive financial aid from the government, haleys explain how CBILS work ahead of their deadline.
RFU Development Director Steve Grainger has said the return of National League rugby effectively relies on two key elements.
Gallagher ambassador Ugo Monye chatted exclusively to TRU about the importance of grassroots rugby.
The Rugby Football Union have confirmed the 2020/21 National League season will not begin next month.
Sir Bill Beaumont says National League and community rugby is the ‘DNA’ of the sport and he also hopes everyone can pull together during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The RFU's discussions with the Department of Digital, Culture and Media and Sport and Sport England have continued about a return to play, which of course include the National Leagues.
Next year's County Championship has been cancelled by the RFU and will now not return until 2022, according to BBC Sport.
.jpg "Bill Sweeney became CEO of the RFU just over a year ago")
In the latest edition of NCA Chats, Bill Sweeney, CEO of the Rugby Football Union, spoke to Joe Harvey and Chris Heal about the community game.
At the end of last week, the RFU, published adapted community competition plans for adult and age grade rugby in the 2020/21 season.
John Inverdale has expressed his desire to broaden the appeal of the National Leagues after becoming the National Clubs Association’s (NCA) new chairman.
In response to recent comments made by Sam Burgess on the House of Rugby Podcast, Jacob Ford feels the criticism fired towards his brother, George, and father, Mike, is “extremely far-fetched.”
There are many different issues lingering over rugby at the moment in terms of what the immediate future holds for the sport and the community game is still in the dark about when they might return.
The Premiership's all-time record try-scorer Tom Vardnell will be joining up with National Two South outfit Bury St Edmunds next season.
Barnes RFC’s ‘Big Lift’ campaign was a roaring success as the club emphatically surpassed their fundraising target.
The destination of each National League club has been confirmed for the 2020/21 season and for a fourth year in a row, a Midlands team will enter National Two South.
Barnes RFC will be hosting a charity lift on Saturday in memory of club stalwart Garry Garrett, who lost his life to coronavirus.
Henley Hawks forward George Primett talks to TRU about tackling the coronavirus pandemic on the NHS front line.
The 2019/20 National League season came to an early conclusion this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, which has currently left sport at a standstill in the UK.
The RFU have confirmed the final league tables for the 2019/20 National League season following the early conclusion to the campaign.
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.