Counties 1 Western North Explained

Counties 1 Tribute Western North
Current Season:2022–23 Counties 1 Tribute Western North
Sport:Rugby union
Teams:13
Country:England
Champion:Matson (3rd title)
Season:2021–22 promoted to Regional 2 Tribute Severn
Most Champs:Coney Hill
Count:4
Website:Western Counties North

Counties 1 Western North (known as Counties 1 Tribute Western North for sponsorship purposes) is an English rugby union league. Originally a single division called Western Counties, in 1996 the division split into two regional leagues called Western Counties North and Western Counties West. Western Counties North was renamed Counties 1 Western North prior to the 2022–23 season and is currently a seventh tier league for clubs based in the south-west of England; mainly Bristol, Gloucestershire and Somerset. The champions are promoted to South West 1 West and the runner-up plays the second team in Western Counties West, with the winning team gaining promotion. The number of teams relegated depends on feedback following promotion and relegation in the leagues above, but is usually two or three to Gloucester Premier and Somerset Premier. Although 2nd XV rugby is part of the Somerset regional league system, only 1st XV teams are allowed in Tribute Western Counties North. Since 2021/22 2nd xv teams have been allowed in Counties 1 Tribute Western North but under current RFU Rules they are unable to be promoted beyond here.

The current champions are Matson and they are promoted to Regional 2 Tribute Severn. Due to the reorganisation of the leagues, Cheltenham, Chosen Hill Former Pupils, Gordano and Winscome are also promoted. There is no relegation and the eight remaining teams, along with four promoted teams form the new level 7 Counties 1 Tribute Western North.

Teams also participate in the RFU Intermediate Cup – a national competition for clubs at level 7 - with all clubs affiliated with the Gloucestershire RFU involved and a representative being sent from the Somerset RFU.

Format

The champions are promoted to either Regional 2 South West or Regional 2 Severn, depending on location. The teams finishing in the last two or three places are relegated to the appropriate Counties 2 leagues in Gloucester or Somerset (awaiting confirmation by the RFU) The season runs from September to March and comprises twenty-two rounds of matches, with each club playing each of its rivals, home and away. The results of the matches contribute points to the league as follows:

2024-25

Departing were Longlevens, promoted as runners-up since although Cinderford 2XV finished top owing to league regulations they were not permitted to be promoted to Level 6, whilst Chipping Sodbury and Clevedon and Midsomer Norton were relegated.

With four teams leaving and five joining the league was restored to twelve sides.

TeamGroundCapacityTown/AreaPrevious season
Bath Road 5,000 5th
Burnham-on-Sea BASC Ground Relegated from Regional 2 South West (12th)
The Park, Essex Close Relegated from Regional 2 South West (11th)
Chosen Hill Former Pupils Brookfield Road Relegated from Regional 2 Severn (11th)
Dockham Road 2,500 1st (not promoted)
The Hayfields 8th
Station Road 2,500 (400 seats) 6th
Gordon League Hempsted Lane Promoted from Counties 2 Gloucestershire North (champions)
Nailsea & Backwell West End Park 3rd
Memorial Playing Fields 7th
Scotland Lane 4th
Towergate Stadium 2,000 (198 seats) Promoted from Counties 2 Somerset (champions)