| 1996–97 Courage League National Division Three | |
| Champions: | Exeter (1st title) |
| Runnersup: | Fylde (also promoted) |
| Relegated: | Walsall, Havant, Redruth, Clifton |
| Matches: | 240 |
| Prevseason: | 1995–96 |
| Nextseason: | 1997–98 |
The 1996–97 Courage League National Division Three was the tenth full season of rugby union within the third tier of the English league system, currently known as National League 1. Exeter won a title for the second season in succession, following last seasons National League 4 title. The runner-up, Fylde, finished one point behind Exeter and were also promoted. Four teams were relegated; Walsall to National 2 North and Havant, Redruth and Clifton to National 2 South.
The league consists of sixteen teams, playing each other on a home and away basis to make a total of thirty matches for each team. There are two promotion places and four relegation places, with the champions and runner-up promoted to National League 2 and the last four teams relegated to either National Division 4 North or South, depending on their location.[1] [2]
National Division Three was increased from ten teams to sixteen with six of the clubs participating in last seasons competition. To make up the numbers the top eight teams in National Division Four were all promoted; Lydney and Wharfedale, as champions of National League 5 South and National League 5 North respectively were also promoted, from the fifth to the third tier.
| Team | Ground | Capacity | City/Area | Previous season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Station Road | 2,500 | Promoted from Division 4 (6th) | ||
| 5,200 | Promoted from Division 4 (champions) | |||
| 9,000 | 10th | |||
| Claro Road | 6th | |||
| Hook's Lane | 1,500 | Promoted from Division 4 (8th) | ||
| 22,250 | Promoted from Division 4 (5th) | |||
| Moss Lane | Promoted from Division 4 (3rd) | |||
| 5,850 | Promoted from Division 4 (runners up) | |||
| Regentsholm | 1,500 | Promoted from National League 5 South (champions) | ||
| Scatcherd Lane | 5th | |||
| 5,000 | 8th | |||
| Promoted from Division 4 (champions) | ||||
| Recreation Ground | 12,000 | Promoted from Division 4 (7th) | ||
| The Rock | 2,000 | 9th | ||
| Broadway Ground | 1,150 | Promoted from Division 4 (4th) | ||
| The Avenue | 2,000 | Promoted from National League 5 North (champions) | ||
National Division Three is part of the Courage Clubs Championship and is sponsored by Courage Brewery. This was their tenth and final season of sponsorship.[2]