National League 1

Following the disappointing expulsion of London Welsh from the Championship earlier this week, sides fearing relegation to National One have been given new hope heading into Round 20.

Following on from Lewis Hughes’ look at semi pro rugby union and his challenge to debate this burning rugby issue, we offer this structure for rugby fans to consider and debate.

Ampthill and District moved up to second in the National One table as they ended Birmingham Moseley’s 100 per cent home record.

With potential reform of Championship rugby as a professional league continuing to serve as one of the most pressing debates in English rugby, the possible implications of such reform to semi-professional leagues must also be considered.

The shock news to come out of National One this week was Birmingham Moseley’s decision not to renew the contract of current Director of Rugby Kevin Maggs.

Coventry have one for the best home records in National One this season and it was on display yet again in Round 18 as they secured another victory at the Butts Park Arena.

As we approach the final third of the National One season results seem to matter more than they did at the beginning of the campaign and that theory certainly applies to sides batting to avoid relegation.

There was no Christmas hangover for Hartpury College as they continued their fine form to earn their 17th consecutive win of the season to maintain their dominance in National One.

If 2016 was a positive year for Hartpury College, then 2017 could certainly top that. The current National One leaders are running away with the title as things stand and promotion to the Championship is a very realistic possibility.

This really could be the season to be jolly for Hartpury College who will begin the New Year 22 points clear at the top of National One following their 16th straight win.

With Christmas approaching, many people are starting to feel generous, but when it comes to sport, that gets put on hold especially at this stage of the season.

A fifteenth consecutive bonus-point win for Hartpury College has seen the league leaders increase their gap to 20 points at the top of National One as we approach the Christmas break.

After 10 wins from 14 matches, it looked as though Plymouth Albion were getting back to their best, but now it seems like they are back to square one after the recent departure of head coach Dan Parkes.

Having dispatched all those before them so far, the one side that could possibly have halted Hartpury College’s unbeaten run were second placed Birmingham Moseley.

With the season of goodwill rapidly approaching, Birmingham Moseley will be looking to collect an early present this weekend when they travel to league leaders Hartpury College.

Darlington Mowden Park ended a run of six straight defeats in National One as they beat Esher, moving the north-east side six points clear of the relegation zone.

It has been nothing short of perfect for Hartpury College so far this season, but the league leaders will certainly be challenged this weekend when they take on an in-form Loughborough Students side.

Hartpury College extended their advantage at the top of National One as they ran in 11 tries to secure a 12th straight bonus-point win.

Hartpury College want to be in a strong position to challenge for promotion from National One in the New Year, says Director of Rugby John Barnes.

After a remarkable run of 10 straight bonus-point victories, Hartpury College have now set a new record for National One and above following their latest win over the Old Albanian.