| 1987–88 Courage Area League South | |
| Champions: | Askeans (1st title) |
| Runnersup: | Sidcup |
| Relegated: | Streatham-Croydon |
| Matches: | 110 |
| Nextseason: | 1988–89 |
The 1987–88 Courage Area League South was the first full season of rugby union within the fourth tier of the English league system, currently known as the National League 2 South, and was the counterpart to Courage Area League South (now National League 2 North). Each team played one match against the other teams, playing a total of ten matches each. There was no set date for matches, clubs having to arrange the fixtures amongst themselves.[1] [2] Askeans were the first ever champions, gaining promotion to the 1988–89 National Division Three while Streatham-Croydon were the only relegated side, dropping to London 1.
Each team played one match against each of the other teams, playing a total of ten matches each. The champions are promoted to National Division 3 and the bottom team was relegated to either London 1 or South West 1 depending on their locality.
| Team | Ground | Capacity | City/Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broad Walk | 2,000 | Kidbrooke, London | |
| Recreation Ground | 9,000 | Camborne, Cornwall | |
| 2,000 | Cheltenham, Gloucestershire | ||
| Hook's Lane | 1,500 | Havant, Hampshire | |
| Regentsholme | 1,500 | Lydney, Gloucestershire | |
| Castle Road | 1,500 | Salisbury, Wiltshire | |
| Crescent Farm | Sidcup, London | ||
| Warners Park | Southend, Essex | ||
| Frant Road | 1,400 | Thornton Heath, Croydon, London | |
| Fromehall Park | Stroud, Gloucestershire | ||
| Moorsfield | Sudbury, Suffolk | ||
Area League South is part of the Courage Clubs Championship and was sponsored by Courage Brewery.