Last updated : Tuesday, 02 July 2024
Introduction
Rugby Division 2 is an amateur rugby union league in England. It is the fourth tier of the English rugby union system, below the RFU Championship, National League 1 and National League 2 South.
The league consists of 16 teams, divided into two groups of 8. The teams play each other home and away, with the top four teams in each group qualifying for the promotion play-offs. The bottom two teams in each group are relegated to National League 3.
The current champions are Bury St Edmunds, who won the title in 2022-23.
The league is sponsored by Greene King IPA.
History
Rugby Division 2 was first introduced in 1987 as the National Division 3. It was renamed National League 2 in 1996.
The league has been won by a variety of teams over the years, including Moseley, Esher, Blackheath and Nottingham.
Promotion and relegation
The top four teams in each group of Rugby Division 2 qualify for the promotion play-offs. The semi-finals are played on a home and away basis, with the winners of the semi-finals meeting in the final. The winner of the final is promoted to National League 1.
The bottom two teams in each group of Rugby Division 2 are relegated to National League 3.