| 1987–88 Courage League National Division Three | |
| Date: | September 1987 – April 1988 |
| Champions: | Wakefield (1st title) |
| Runnersup: | West Hartlepool |
| Relegated: | Morley and Birmingham |
| Matches: | 66 |
| Nextseason: | 1988–89 |
The 1987–88 Courage League National Division Three was the first full season of rugby union within the third tier of the English league system, currently known as the National League 1. Both Wakefield and West Hartlepool won ten matches, lost one and finished on twenty points. Wakefield finished as champions due to their superior points difference but neither team was promoted to National Division Two. Morley and Birmingham (without a win) finished in the bottom two places and both clubs were relegated to Area League North for the following season.[1] Almost all clubs in the national divisions reported an increase in attendances.[2]
Each team played one match against the other teams, playing a total of eleven matches each. There was no set date for matches, clubs having to arrange the fixtures amongst themselves.[3]
| Team | Ground | Capacity | City/Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2,500 | Solihull, West Midlands | ||
| 5,200 | Exeter, Devon | ||
| 9,000 | Lytham St Annes, Lancashire | ||
| William Davey Memorial | Maidstone, Kent | ||
| Imber Court | East Molesey, Surrey | ||
| Scatcherd Lane | Morley, Leeds | ||
| Harry Cleaver Ground | Nuneaton, Warwickshire | ||
| Beacon Park | 3,500 | Plymouth, Devon | |
| 3,200 | Dore, Sheffield, South Yorkshire | ||
| Powderhouse Lane | Lancaster, Lancashire | ||
| 3,000 | Wakefield, West Yorkshire | ||
| Brierton Lane | Hartlepool, Cleveland | ||
National Division Three is part of the Courage Clubs Championship and was sponsored by Courage Brewery