Counties 1 Kent
 | It has been suggested that Draft:Counties 1 Kent be merged into this article. (Discuss) Proposed since August 2024. |
Current season or competition: 2024–25 Counties 1 Kent | |
| Sport | Rugby union |
|---|---|
| Number of teams | 12 |
| Country |  England |
| Website | [1] |
Counties 1 Kent is an English level 7 rugby union regional league for rugby clubs in London and the south-east of England including sides from Kent, Greater London and East Sussex. Administration of the leagues is divided between Kent Rugby,[1] Sussex Rugby[2] and the London & SE RFU.[3] (The locations in Greater London are all in areas that were historically part of Kent.)
Structure and format
[edit]The twelve teams play home and away matches from September through to April, making a total of twenty-two matches each. The results of the matches contribute points to the league as follows:
- 4 points are awarded for a win.
- 2 points are awarded for a draw.
- 0 points are awarded for a loss.
In addition:
- 1 losing (bonus) point is awarded to a team that loses a match by 7 points or fewer
- 1 additional (bonus) point is awarded to a team scoring 4 tries or more in a match
There is one automatic promotion place and two relegation places. The first-placed team at the end of season wins promotion to Regional 2 South East. The last twoplaced clubs are typically relegated to either Counties 2 Kent or Counties 2 Sussex depending on location.
Teams for 2024–25
[edit]Departing were Dartfordians promoted to Regional 2 South East as runners-up[4] (Canterbury Pilgrims finished top[5] but owing to league regulations were not permitted to be promoted to Level 6) with Thanet being relegated to Counties 2 Kent.[6] With no team coming down from Regional 2 South East there was a reprieve for Charlton Park who finished 11th and would ordinarily have been relegated to Counties 2 Kent. Coming up were Sevenoaks 2XV[7] and Park House.
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Locations of the 2024-25 Counties 1 Kent teams in London Locations of the 2024-25 Counties 1 Kent teams in Kent and East Sussex
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Teams for 2023–24
[edit]Departing were Old Alleynians[8] promoted to Regional 2 South East with Folkestone[9] and Aylesford Bulls relegated to Counties 2 Kent. In their place In their place came Dover and Canterbury Pilgrims promoted as 'joint champions'[10] from Counties 2 Kent whilst Dartfordians were relegated from Regional 2 South East.
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Locations of the 2023-24 Counties 1 Kent teams in London Locations of the 2023-24 Counties 1 Kent teams in Kent and East Sussex
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Teams for 2022–23
[edit]This was the first season following the RFU Adult Competition Review. The league was substantially similar to London 2 South East with the teams placed 5th-12th returning. The teams finishing 1st - 4th were promoted to Regional 2 South East (level 6) with the top four teams coming up from London 3 South East (level 8).[11]
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Locations of the 2022-23 Counties 1 Kent teams in London Locations of the 2022-23 Counties 1 Kent teams in Kent and East Sussex
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See also
[edit]- London & SE Division RFU
- Hampshire RFU
- Kent RFU
- Surrey RFU
- Sussex RFU
- English rugby union system
- Rugby union in England
References
[edit]- ^ "RFU Leagues". Surrey Rugby. Retrieved 9 August 2024.
- ^ "Mens [sic] Leagues". Sussex Rugby. Retrieved 12 August 2024.
- ^ "RFU League Statistics". L&SE RFU. Retrieved 9 August 2024.
- ^ "Dartfordians RFC celebrating 100th anniversary season with promotion and a lunch in support of the IPF". RFU Injured Players Foundation. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
- ^ "PILGRIMS ARE CHAMPIONS". Canterbury RFC. 18 March 2024. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
- ^ "Relegation looks certain for Wanderers". Isle of Thanet News. 25 March 2024.
- ^ "Sevenoaks 2s are Kent Champions!". Local Sports News. 25 April 2024. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
- ^ "Old Alleynians 1XV win the League with a record win!". Old Alleynians. 19 March 2023.
- ^ "RELEGATION LOOMS FOR FOLKESTONE AFTER ANOTHER LOSS". Folkestone RFC. 12 February 2023.
- ^ "Player-coach Martyn Beaumont on Dover Rugby Club being named 'joint-champions' of Kent 2 with Canterbury 2nds". Kent Online. 9 April 2023.
- ^ "Rugby union competition structure gets overhaul ahead of the 2022/23 season". Kent Online. 28 May 2022.
- ^ "Addition to the coaching team for next season". Bromley RFC. 9 June 2022. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
- ^ "Deal & Betteshanger coach Danny Vaughan reacts to news the club will be playing in new Counties 1 Kent Division following Rugby Football Union's restructure". Kent Online. 11 June 2022.