National League Rugby Statement: Composition of National 2

Following extensive meetings which involved all of the Northern clubs at Level 4, the composition of National Two has been finalised for next season.

Macclesfield have confirmed that they will not compete in National Two West and will therefore compete in Regional 1 North West.

Lymm have confirmed that they will compete in National Two West next season.

As a result, Loughborough Students will be allocated to National Two West to maintain a 14-team league structure.

In Regional 1, Burton have agreed to transfer to Regional 1 Midlands, allowing Macclesfield to be accommodated within Regional 1 North West.

The decision to originally allocate Macclesfield and Lymm into National Two West was based on identifying the furthest afield club geographically in each region and then assessing mileage calculations against them.

‘Lowest total mileage calculations’ were used to arrive at the final recommended league allocations.

The RFU’s Adult Competition Sub-Committee approved the approach, and the league structure was approved through RFU Governance.

The last 10 days have involved lengthy discussions between all parties involved, but the composition of National Two for the forthcoming season has now been decided.

National League Rugby Chairman John Inverdale said: “It is extremely sad that Macclesfield have made the decision they have, but we understand their reasons.

“Playing in the National Leagues is prestigious and aspirational, but ultimately an expensive operation. It’s hoped this hugely complex and long drawn-out debate can lead to a rethink on how Level 4 and below is configured in the future.”

Paula Carter, representing the RFU board, commented: “We are grateful to all the NLR clubs who contributed to our thinking about how to optimise the structure of the leagues. All the work will be carried forward into a review of the RFU leagues next season.”

We also recognise that clubs in National Two and National One will now be seeking clarity on the release of fixtures for the 2026/27 season.

Due to the play-offs and the decisions relating to the composition of National Two, fixtures will be distributed as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience.

National Two North: Billingham, Chester, Darlington Mowden Park, Fylde, Harrogate, Heath, Huddersfield, Hull Ionians, Otley, Preston Grasshoppers, Sedgley Park, Sheffield Tigers, Tynedale, Wharfedale.

National Two East: Barnes, Canterbury, Colchester, Dorking, Esher, Guernsey, Havant, Henley, Jersey, Leicester Lions, London Welsh, Old Albanian, Oundle, Westcombe Park.

National Two West: Barnstaple, Bournville, Cinderford, Clifton, Devonport Services, Exeter University, Hinckley, Hornets, Loughborough Students, Luctonians, Lymm, Old Redcliffians, Redruth, Taunton.