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.
| 1996–97 Courage League National Division Three | |
|---|---|
| Countries |  England |
| Champions | Exeter (1st title) |
| Runners-up | Fylde (also promoted) |
| Relegated | Walsall, Havant, Redruth, Clifton |
| Matches played | 240 |
Structure
editThe 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]
Participating teams and locations
edit
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.
League table
edit| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | PF | PA | PD | Pts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exeter (C) | 30 | 25 | 0 | 5 | 923 | 443 | +480 | 50 | Promoted |
| 2 | Fylde | 30 | 24 | 1 | 5 | 813 | 439 | +374 | 49 | |
| 3 | Leeds | 30 | 24 | 0 | 6 | 1209 | 432 | +777 | 48 | |
| 4 | Morley | 30 | 22 | 0 | 8 | 928 | 570 | +358 | 44 | |
| 5 | Harrogate | 30 | 18 | 0 | 12 | 832 | 599 | +233 | 36 | |
| 6 | Reading | 30 | 17 | 1 | 12 | 869 | 631 | +238 | 35 | |
| 7 | Wharfedale | 30 | 17 | 0 | 13 | 710 | 635 | +75 | 34 | |
| 8 | Rosslyn Park | 30 | 17 | 0 | 13 | 630 | 620 | +10 | 34 | |
| 9 | Otley | 30 | 13 | 0 | 17 | 720 | 766 | −46 | 26 | |
| 10 | Lydney | 30 | 13 | 0 | 17 | 668 | 766 | −98 | 26 | |
| 11 | London Welsh | 30 | 12 | 0 | 18 | 632 | 777 | −145 | 24 | |
| 12 | Liverpool St Helens | 30 | 9 | 0 | 21 | 665 | 827 | −162 | 18 | |
| 13 | Walsall | 30 | 8 | 0 | 22 | 640 | 980 | −340 | 16 | Relegated |
| 14 | Havant | 30 | 8 | 0 | 22 | 580 | 954 | −374 | 16 | |
| 15 | Redruth | 30 | 8 | 0 | 22 | 565 | 1116 | −551 | 16 | |
| 16 | Clifton | 30 | 4 | 0 | 26 | 518 | 1347 | −829 | 8 |
Rules for classification: Points are awarded as follows: 2 pts for a win, 1 pt for a draw, 0 pts for a loss. If teams are level at any stage, the following tiebreaker is applied: Difference between points for and against.
(C) Champions
Sponsorship
editNational 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]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Mick Cleary and John Griffiths, ed. (1996). Rothmans Rugby Union Yearbook 1996–97 (25 ed.). London: Headline Book Publishing. pp. 150–163. ISBN 978-0-7472-7771-2.
- ^ a b Mick Cleary and John Griffiths, ed. (1997). Rothmans Rugby Union Yearbook 1997–98 (26 ed.). London: Headline Book Publishing. pp. 87–100. ISBN 0 7472 7732 X.
- ^ "Liverpool St Helens". Rugby Journal. Retrieved 22 October 2024.
- ^ "Courage Clubs Championship 1996/97". Moseley Rugby Club. Archived from the original on 2015-03-16. Retrieved 19 December 2016.