Rugby League Conference
Encyclopedia
The Rugby League Conference (RLC) (also known as the Co-operative Rugby League Conference as a result of sponsorship from The Co-operative Group
), was a series of regionally based divisions of amateur rugby league
teams spread throughout England
, Scotland
and Wales
.
The RLC was founded as the 10-team Southern Conference League in 1997, with teams from the southern midlands and the south east, but has subsequently, rebranded and expanded both geographically and numerically to include around 90 teams stretched across almost the whole of Great Britain from Aberdeen
in northern Scotland down to Plymouth
on the south coast of England.
The aim of the RLC was initially to provide regular fixtures for new clubs based outside the 'heartland' of rugby league, although as the playing standards have raised it now also accepts teams from the 'heartlands'. The hope is that at least some of these clubs will eventually progress to become semi-professional clubs that could one day join the 'traditional' clubs in the national leagues
; to date only London Skolars
have done so.
With the top heartlands amateur league, the National Conference League
voting to move to a summer season, the 2012 season will see a re-alignment of the amateur game and the Rugby League Conference replaced with a series of regional leagues.
The London League
, Midlands Rugby League
, Yorkshire & Humber Merit League
and North West Merit League
acted as feeder competitions to the Rugby League Conference.
The league steadily expanded over the first few seasons right up to the fringes of the heartlands, before expanding into Wales for the first time in 2001 with the addition of Cardiff Demons. The league expanded into the North East that same season.
In 2003 National League Three
was founded including some of the stronger Rugby League Conference clubs and some BARLA clubs. This same season saw massive expansion of the Rugby League Conference including an entire Welsh division. The league also pushed its borders further including more teams from the less rugby league playing areas of the counties considered the heartlands and went as far south west as Somerset.
The league expanded further in 2004 by allowing entry to heartland clubs. For the 2005 season the competition was split into two tiers, with Premier divisions being created for above the existing regional divisions. The next major changes were in 2007 when National League Three (as the National Division) and the Scottish League became integral parts of the Rugby League Conference structure.
The Rugby League Conference celebrated passing the 100 club barrier in 2010.http://www.leaguenews.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1877:rlc-set-to-expand&catid=62:rugby-league-conference&Itemid=166
2011 was the last season before the league was split up into multiple leagues.
In the event of a default, the game is awarded 24-0 to the non-defaulting side (or the average scoreline of win of the non-defaulting side in the event that this is greater) unless the non-defaulting side agrees to rearrange the match to a later date.
. The Conference National is seen as the immediate division below Championship 1, at least as regards to the summer leagues, although there is no promotion between the two leagues.
The premier divisions were added in the 2005 season to provide for clubs wanting to play a longer season and the development of those clubs within the Conference, although generally the season is a similar length to the Regional divisions. It was intended that there would be minimum criteria including junior teams to enter the Premier divisions. However, there are no fixed criteria in practice and the South West lacks a Premier Division (though Bristol Sonics run a team out of region in the Midlands). In the Midlands and Yorkshire there is no distinction between the premier and regional divisions until the playoffs
competition against national amateur sides from Wales, Scotland (players drawn from RLC teams) and Ireland (players from Rugby League Ireland
).
, which is moving to summer, and the league currently known as the Rugby League Conference National Division
which will be rebranded perhaps as National Conference League division three http://www.nationalconferenceleague.co.uk/article/conference-league-2012-update.html
:
The Co-operative Group
The Co-operative Group Ltd. is a United Kingdom consumer cooperative with a diverse range of business interests. It is co-operatively run and owned by its members. It is the largest organisation of this type in the world, with over 5.5 million members, who all have a say in how the business is...
), was a series of regionally based divisions of amateur rugby league
Rugby league
Rugby league football, usually called rugby league, is a full contact sport played by two teams of thirteen players on a rectangular grass field. One of the two codes of rugby football, it originated in England in 1895 by a split from Rugby Football Union over paying players...
teams spread throughout England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
, Scotland
Scotland
Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
and Wales
Wales
Wales is a country that is part of the United Kingdom and the island of Great Britain, bordered by England to its east and the Atlantic Ocean and Irish Sea to its west. It has a population of three million, and a total area of 20,779 km²...
.
The RLC was founded as the 10-team Southern Conference League in 1997, with teams from the southern midlands and the south east, but has subsequently, rebranded and expanded both geographically and numerically to include around 90 teams stretched across almost the whole of Great Britain from Aberdeen
Aberdeen
Aberdeen is Scotland's third most populous city, one of Scotland's 32 local government council areas and the United Kingdom's 25th most populous city, with an official population estimate of ....
in northern Scotland down to Plymouth
Plymouth
Plymouth is a city and unitary authority area on the coast of Devon, England, about south-west of London. It is built between the mouths of the rivers Plym to the east and Tamar to the west, where they join Plymouth Sound...
on the south coast of England.
The aim of the RLC was initially to provide regular fixtures for new clubs based outside the 'heartland' of rugby league, although as the playing standards have raised it now also accepts teams from the 'heartlands'. The hope is that at least some of these clubs will eventually progress to become semi-professional clubs that could one day join the 'traditional' clubs in the national leagues
Rugby League National Leagues
The Championship, known as Co-operative Championship due to sponsorship by The Co-operative Group, is a professional rugby league competition based in the United Kingdom. It is currently contested by ten teams from England. It acts as Europe's second-tier competition below the Super League, and has...
; to date only London Skolars
London Skolars
London Skolars are a rugby league club based at the New River Stadium, Wood Green, Haringey in North London. They were founded in 1995 and have been semi-professional since 2003, operating in Championship One...
have done so.
With the top heartlands amateur league, the National Conference League
National Conference League
The National Conference League is the top league in the pyramid of amateur rugby leagues run by the British Amateur Rugby League Association...
voting to move to a summer season, the 2012 season will see a re-alignment of the amateur game and the Rugby League Conference replaced with a series of regional leagues.
The London League
London League (rugby league)
The London, South and East Merit League is a rugby league competition founded in 1965. It is also known as the London League , London & South East Merit League, London Amateur Rugby League and London Merit League ....
, Midlands Rugby League
Midlands Rugby League
The 3vSport.com Midlands Rugby League is a summer rugby league tournament in the Midlands region of England. It is a feeder league to the Rugby League Conference and a successor league to the Midlands Merit League...
, Yorkshire & Humber Merit League
Yorkshire & Humber Merit League
The Yorkshire & Humber Merit League is a rugby league competition for clubs in Yorkshire and the Humber. It is a feeder league for the Rugby League Conference.-History:...
and North West Merit League
North West Merit League
The North West Merit League is a rugby league competition for clubs in the North West of England. It is a feeder league for the Rugby League Conference.-History:...
acted as feeder competitions to the Rugby League Conference.
History
The Southern Conference League was founded as a 10-team competition in 1997. The following season it was rebranded as the Rugby League Conference due to its intentions to include teams from all non-heartland parts of the country and its even then inclusion of several teams outside the South.The league steadily expanded over the first few seasons right up to the fringes of the heartlands, before expanding into Wales for the first time in 2001 with the addition of Cardiff Demons. The league expanded into the North East that same season.
In 2003 National League Three
Rugby League Conference National Division
The Rugby League Conference National Division is the highest division in the Rugby League Conference. Between 2003 and 2006, it was known as National League Three.-National League Three:...
was founded including some of the stronger Rugby League Conference clubs and some BARLA clubs. This same season saw massive expansion of the Rugby League Conference including an entire Welsh division. The league also pushed its borders further including more teams from the less rugby league playing areas of the counties considered the heartlands and went as far south west as Somerset.
The league expanded further in 2004 by allowing entry to heartland clubs. For the 2005 season the competition was split into two tiers, with Premier divisions being created for above the existing regional divisions. The next major changes were in 2007 when National League Three (as the National Division) and the Scottish League became integral parts of the Rugby League Conference structure.
The Rugby League Conference celebrated passing the 100 club barrier in 2010.http://www.leaguenews.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1877:rlc-set-to-expand&catid=62:rugby-league-conference&Itemid=166
2011 was the last season before the league was split up into multiple leagues.
Season and play-off format
There is no promotion or relegation between divisions, teams may apply to join higher divisions and may or may not be accepted based on different criteria.In the event of a default, the game is awarded 24-0 to the non-defaulting side (or the average scoreline of win of the non-defaulting side in the event that this is greater) unless the non-defaulting side agrees to rearrange the match to a later date.
National Division
The ten teams play each other on a home and away basis providing eighteen games. The top six teams then enter the end of season play-offs in the same format as the play-offs for the ChampionshipsRugby League National Leagues
The Championship, known as Co-operative Championship due to sponsorship by The Co-operative Group, is a professional rugby league competition based in the United Kingdom. It is currently contested by ten teams from England. It acts as Europe's second-tier competition below the Super League, and has...
. The Conference National is seen as the immediate division below Championship 1, at least as regards to the summer leagues, although there is no promotion between the two leagues.
Premier divisions
There are six English divisions (though the two Yorkshire divisions have a combined playoffs and final), one Scottish division and one Welsh division with six to eight teams per division. Teams play various fixture formats to provide between ten and fourteen regular season games. Each division then has its own play-off series to determine the champion with the seven divisional final winners entering the national play-offs. All national play-offs are held at a neutral venue, but regional play-offs are played at the ground of the highest finishing club.The premier divisions were added in the 2005 season to provide for clubs wanting to play a longer season and the development of those clubs within the Conference, although generally the season is a similar length to the Regional divisions. It was intended that there would be minimum criteria including junior teams to enter the Premier divisions. However, there are no fixed criteria in practice and the South West lacks a Premier Division (though Bristol Sonics run a team out of region in the Midlands). In the Midlands and Yorkshire there is no distinction between the premier and regional divisions until the playoffs
Regional divisions
There are eleven regional divisions (nine English, one Welsh and one Scottish; though three serve as both premier divisions and regional divisions) in 2011 with between five and eight teams per division and varying numbers of fixtures. Each division has play-offs with varying formats with the winners entering the play-offs for the national title (though the two Yorkshire divisions have combined playoffs and only enter one side into the national playoffs). All national play-offs are held at a neutral venue, but regional play-offs are played at the ground of the highest finishing club.Representative fixtures
A selection is made for England Lionhearts who represent England in the Skanska Amateur Four NationsSkanska Amateur Four Nations
Skanaska Amateur Four Nations or Home Nations Championship is a rugby league competition contested annually by Wales A, Ireland A, Scotland A and the England Lionhearts. While the teams from the Celtic nations are officially the countries' second string sides, the Lionhearts are England's...
competition against national amateur sides from Wales, Scotland (players drawn from RLC teams) and Ireland (players from Rugby League Ireland
Rugby League Ireland
Rugby League Ireland is the internationally recognised governing body for the development of rugby league football in Ireland, having secured official recognition from the RLIF in 2000...
).
2011 Structure
| National Division Rugby League Conference National Division The Rugby League Conference National Division is the highest division in the Rugby League Conference. Between 2003 and 2006, it was known as National League Three.-National League Three:... |
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| Bramley Buffaloes Bramley Buffaloes Bramley Buffaloes is a rugby league club from the Bramley area of West Leeds in West Yorkshire, England. Previously known simply as Bramley RLFC, the club is a famous name in rugby league, having existed prior to the formation of the Northern Union in 1895... |
| Coventry Bears Coventry Bears Coventry Bears are a rugby league club, formed in 1998. They have a proud history pioneering rugby league in the Midlands, their major honours include winning the National League 3 title in 2004 and the Rugby League Conference in 2002... |
| Dewsbury Celtic Dewsbury Celtic Dewsbury Celtic is a rugby league club in the town of Dewsbury, West Yorkshire. They play in the National Division of the Rugby League Conference and have a thriving junior section... |
| Featherstone Lions Featherstone Lions Featherstone Lions are an amateur rugby league club from Featherstone, West Yorkshire who play in the Rugby League Conference National Division and the CMS Yorkshire league Division 3. The under-18 team play in the Gilette National Youth League.... |
| Hemel Stags Hemel Stags Hemel Stags are a rugby league team based in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire playing in the National Division of the Rugby League Conference.The club has played in a number of leagues over the years, from the London League, MASWARLA, National Conference League and the Alliance League... |
| Huddersfield Underbank Rangers Huddersfield Underbank Rangers Huddersfield Underbank Rangers are a rugby league team based in Holmfirth near Huddersfield, West Yorkshire. They play in the National Division of the Rugby League Conference. The club also competes as Underbank Rangers in division 4 of the Pennine League. They also have an Underbank Rangers A... |
| Kippax Knights Kippax Knights Kippax Knights are a rugby league team based in Kippax, West Yorkshire, England. They play in the Rugby League Conference National Division.Kippax Knights play at the Long Dyke Lane ground also used by Pennine League club Kippax Welfare.-History:... |
| Nottingham Outlaws A |
| Valley Cougars Valley Cougars Valley Cougars are a rugby league team based in Caerphilly. They play in the National Division of the Rugby League Conference-History:They were founded in 1975 and joined the Welsh Division of the Rugby League Conference in 2003. They led a nomadic existence for their first few years in the valleys... |
| Warrington Wizards Warrington Wizards Warrington Wizards are a British rugby league team. They play in the National Division of the Rugby League Conference.-History:Warrington Woolston Rovers, a National Conference League team were invited to be founder members of the new National League Three, the 4th tier of British rugby league in... |
| North East Premier Rugby League Conference North East Division The Rugby League Conference North East Division is a division in the Rugby League Conference, an amateur rugby league competition with sides from across Britain... |
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| Gateshead Spartans |
| Gateshead Storm Gateshead Storm Newcastle Storm are an amateur rugby league club in the North East of England. They play in the North East Premier of the Rugby League Conference.-Newcastle Knights:... |
| Jarrow Vikings Jarrow Vikings Jarrow Vikings are a rugby league team based in Jarrow, Tyne and Wear. They play in the North East Premier division of the Rugby League Conference.-History:... |
| Peterlee Pumas Peterlee Pumas Peterlee Pumas are a rugby league team based in Peterlee, County Durham. They play in the North East Premier of the Rugby League Conference and their A-team plays in the RLC North East regional division.-History:... |
| Sunderland City Sunderland City Sunderland City are a rugby league team based in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear. They play in the North East Premier division of the Rugby League Conference.-History:... |
| Wallsend Eagles Wallsend Eagles Wallsend Eagles are a rugby league side based in Wallsend, Newcastle Upon Tyne. The club runs five teams: open-age who play in the Rugby League Conference North East Premier; under-12s, under-14s and under-16s who all play in the North East Junior League and under-10s who play... |
| North West Premier Rugby League Conference North West Premier The Rugby League Conference North West Premier is a division in the Rugby League Conference for teams in the North West of England.It was first contested in 2008 following the break-up of the previous North Premier into the North West and Yorkshire Premiers.... |
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| Accrington & Leyland Warriors |
| Liverpool Buccaneers Liverpool Buccaneers Liverpool Buccaneers Rugby League Football Club are an amateur rugby league club from West Derby in Liverpool. The team play home games at Sefton RUFC in West Derby. Currently they play in the North West Premier division of the Rugby League Conference and the North West Merit League.-History:The... |
| Wigan Riversiders Wigan Riversiders Wigan Riversiders are a rugby league team based in Wigan, Greater Manchester, England. The first team play in the North West Premier division of the Rugby League Conference; the second team play in the North West regional division under the name Wigan Riversiders Eels; and the third play in the... |
| Scottish Premier Rugby League Conference Scotland Division The Rugby League Conference Scotland Division, also known as the Scottish conference, is the Scottish domestic league for the sport of rugby league. It also forms a division of the Rugby League Conference competition which covers all of Great Britain... |
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| Ayrshire Storm |
| Carluke Tigers Carluke Tigers Carluke Tigers are an amateur rugby league team. They play in the Scotland Division of the Rugby League Conference. The team is the only premier rugby league side in Lanarkshire... |
| Easterhouse Panthers Easterhouse Panthers Easterhouse Panthers are an amateur rugby league team based in Easterhouse in the East End of Glasgow. They play in the Scotland Division of the Rugby League Conference.-History:... |
| Edinburgh Eagles Edinburgh Eagles The Edinburgh Eagles are a semi-professional rugby league team based in Edinburgh, Scotland. They play in the Scotland Division of the Rugby League Conference.-History:... |
| Fife Lions Fife Lions Fife Lions ARLFC are a rugby league club located in the east of Scotland. They play in the Scotland Division of the Rugby League Conference.The Fife Lions in recent years have been one of the dominant teams in the SRLC... |
| Southern Premier Rugby League Conference South Premier The Rugby League Conference South Premier is a division in the Rugby League Conference. It is the highest level of amateur rugby league in the South of England... |
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| Eastern Rhinos |
| Hammersmith Hills Hoists Hammersmith Hills Hoists Hammersmith Hills Hoists are a rugby league team based in Hammersmith, London and are named after the hills hoist. They play in the South Premier division of the Rugby League Conference. Their second team plays in the London League.-History:... |
| London Skolars London Skolars London Skolars are a rugby league club based at the New River Stadium, Wood Green, Haringey in North London. They were founded in 1995 and have been semi-professional since 2003, operating in Championship One... A |
| St Albans Centurions St Albans Centurions St Albans Centurions is a rugby league club based in St Albans, Hertfordshire.Founded in 1996, they first played in various local leagues and the Rugby League Conference, and then, from 2003 to 2006, in National League 3. From 2007 to date, they play in the Rugby League Conference South Premier... |
| South London Storm |
| West London Sharks West London Sharks West London Sharks RLFC is a rugby league team based in Chiswick, Hounslow, Middlesex. West London Sharks are now playing out of Chiswick RFU, Dukes Medow in Chiswick. They compete in the South Premier Division of the Rugby League Conference... |
| Welsh Premier Rugby League Conference Welsh Premier The Rugby League Conference Wales is the higher of two Welsh domestic leagues for the sport of rugby league. It forms a Premier division of the Rugby League Conference competition which covers all of Great Britain.-History:... |
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| Bridgend Blue Bulls Bridgend Blue Bulls Bridgend Blue Bulls RLFC are a rugby league side based in Porthcawl, Wales. They play in the Welsh Premier of the Rugby League Conference. They are the most successful amateur rugby league team in Wales, having won the Welsh Premier a record five times, as well as winning the Harry Jepson Trophy... |
| Cardiff Demons Cardiff Demons Cardiff Demons RLFC are a rugby league side who play out of St. Albans RFC in the east of Cardiff, Wales. They play in the Welsh Premier of the Rugby League Conference.-History:... |
| Titans RLFC |
| Torfaen Tigers Torfaen Tigers Torfaen Tigers are a rugby league team based in Pontypool, Monmouthshire. They play in the Welsh Premier division of the Rugby League Conference.-History:... |
| Valley Cougars Valley Cougars Valley Cougars are a rugby league team based in Caerphilly. They play in the National Division of the Rugby League Conference-History:They were founded in 1975 and joined the Welsh Division of the Rugby League Conference in 2003. They led a nomadic existence for their first few years in the valleys... A |
| Midlands East Rugby League Conference Midlands Premier The Rugby League Conference Midlands Premier is a division in the Rugby League Conference. It is the highest level of amateur rugby league in the English Midlands.It was first contested in 2006. Many of the clubs run juniors in the Midlands Junior League.... |
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| Leicester Storm |
| Northampton Demons |
| Nottingham Outlaws A |
| Midlands West Rugby League Conference Midlands Premier The Rugby League Conference Midlands Premier is a division in the Rugby League Conference. It is the highest level of amateur rugby league in the English Midlands.It was first contested in 2006. Many of the clubs run juniors in the Midlands Junior League.... |
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| Birmingham Bulldogs Birmingham Bulldogs Birmingham RLFC are a rugby league team based in Birmingham. They play in the Midlands Premier division of the Rugby League Conference.-History:Birmingham Bulldogs were founded in 1989... |
| Bristol Sonics Bristol Sonics Bristol Sonics are a rugby league club based in Bristol in the South West of England.The Sonics play in the Midlands Premier division of the Rugby League Conference. Bristol Sonics A play in the RLC West of England.- 2002-2004: Early Days :... |
| Leamington Royals Leamington Royals Leamington Royals are a rugby league team based in Royal Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, England. They play in the Midlands Division of the Rugby League Conference-History:... |
| Telford Raiders Telford Raiders Telford Raiders ARLFC are a rugby league club based in the town of Telford in Shropshire, England. Their first team plays in the Midlands Regional division of the Rugby League Conference and they have a development team in the Midlands Rugby League as well as an active junior development... |
| Yorkshire Premier (East) Rugby League Conference Yorkshire Premier The Rugby League Conference Yorkshire Premier is a division in the Rugby League Conference for teams in the Yorkshire area.It was first contested in 2008 following the break-up of the previous North Premier into the North West and Yorkshire Premiers.... |
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| Barnsley Broncos Barnsley Broncos Barnsley Broncos is a rugby league team based in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, England. They play in the Yorkshire and Lincolnshire division of the Rugby League Conference.-History:... |
| Cutsyke Raiders |
| Knottingley Stozle Rockware |
| Moorends-Thorne Marauders |
| Rotherham Giants Rotherham Giants Rotherham Giants are a rugby league team based in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, playing in the Yorkshire Premier of the Rugby League Conference. They play their home matches at Herringthorpe Stadium... |
| Scarborough Pirates Scarborough Pirates ARLFC Scarborough Pirates ARLFC is the name of an amateur rugby league team which competes in the Rugby League Conference Yorkshire Premier and British Amateur Rugby League Association winter leagues... |
| Walton Warriors |
| York Lokomotive York Lokomotive York Lokomotive are a rugby league team based in York, North Yorkshire. They play in the Yorkshire Premier division of the Rugby League Conference.-History:... |
| Yorkshire Premier (West) Rugby League Conference Yorkshire Premier The Rugby League Conference Yorkshire Premier is a division in the Rugby League Conference for teams in the Yorkshire area.It was first contested in 2008 following the break-up of the previous North Premier into the North West and Yorkshire Premiers.... |
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| Leeds Akkies Leeds Akkies Leeds Akkies are a rugby league team based in The Old Modernians Sports Club, Cookridge Lane, Leeds, LS16 7ND, West Yorkshire. They play in the Yorkshire Regional division of the Rugby League Conference, their A side plays in the Yorkshire & Humber Merit League.-History:Leeds Akademiks were founded... |
| Lindley Swifts |
| Parkside Hawks Parkside Hawks Parkside Hawks are a rugby league team based in Hunslet, Leeds. They play in the Yorkshire division of the Rugby League Conference.-History:Parkside Hawks were formed in 2009 as a joint venture between Hunslet Parkside and Hunslet Hawks... |
| Prospect Pirates |
| Shaw Cross Sharks |
| East Rugby League Conference East Division The Rugby League Conference East Division is a division of the Rugby League Conference, an amateur rugby league competition with sides from across Britain... |
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| Bedford Tigers Bedford Tigers Bedford Tigers RLFC is a rugby league club based in Bedford, England. The first team plays in the Rugby League Conference, with a second team in the London League.- History :... |
| Bury Titans Bury Titans Bury Titans are rugby league team based in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk. They play in the East Division of the Rugby League Conference.-History:South Norfolk Saints joined the Eastern Division of the Rugby League Conference in 1998... |
| St Ives Roosters St Ives Roosters St Ives Roosters are a rugby league club from St Ives in Cambridgeshire. They were founded in 1991 as one of the first rugby league clubs in East Anglia. Currently they play in the Rugby League Conference East Division.-History:... |
| Sudbury Gladiators |
| London & South Rugby League Conference London & South Division The Rugby League Conference London & South Division is a division within the Rugby League Conference, an amateur rugby league competition with sides from across Britain... |
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| Elmbridge Eagles |
| Greenwich Admirals Greenwich Admirals Greenwich Admirals are a rugby league team based in Greenwich, London. They play in the South Premier of the Rugby League Conference.-History:... |
| Guildford Giants Guildford Giants The Guildford Giants are a rugby league team based in Guildford, Surrey. They compete in the London and South East Division of the Rugby League Conference.-History:Guildford Giants were formed in December 2008 and were based at Guildford RUFC... |
| Medway Dragons |
| Portsmouth Navy Seahawks Portsmouth Navy Seahawks Portsmouth Navy Seahawks are a rugby league team based in Gosport, Hampshire. They play in the South Premier Division of the Rugby League Conference. The Seahawks, as a club, is open to non-service players as well as members of the Royal Navy.-History:... |
| Southampton Spitfires Southampton Spitfires Southampton Spitfires are a rugby league team based in Southampton. They play in the South East Division of the Rugby League Conference.- History :Southampton Spitfires Rugby League Club was formed in 2007... |
| Sussex Merlins Sussex Merlins Sussex Merlins are a rugby league team playing in the London and South division of the Rugby League Conference. They are based in Hove, East Sussex.... |
| North East Rugby League Conference North East Division The Rugby League Conference North East Division is a division in the Rugby League Conference, an amateur rugby league competition with sides from across Britain... |
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| Cramlington Rockets Cramlington Rockets Cramlington Rockets are a rugby league team based in Cramlington, Northumberland. They play in the North East Division of the Rugby League Conference.-History:... |
| Durham Demons |
| East Cumbria Crusaders |
| Hartlepool ARLFC |
| North Yorkshire Stallions |
| Peterlee Pumas Peterlee Pumas Peterlee Pumas are a rugby league team based in Peterlee, County Durham. They play in the North East Premier of the Rugby League Conference and their A-team plays in the RLC North East regional division.-History:... A |
| Whitley Bay Barbarians Whitley Bay Barbarians Whitley Bay Barbarians are a rugby league team based in Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear. They play in the North East Division, of the Rugby League Conference.-History:... |
| Winlaton Warriors |
| North West Rugby League Conference North West Division The Rugby League Conference North West Division is a division in the Rugby League Conference for teams in the North West of England.-History:... |
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| Blackpool Sea Eagles Blackpool Sea Eagles Blackpool Sea Eagles are a rugby league team based in Blackpool, Lancashire. They play in the North West Division of the Rugby League Conference.-History:... |
| Cadishead Rhinos |
| Chester Gladiators Chester Gladiators Chester Gladiators Rugby League Football Club is a rugby league club in Chester, England. They play in the North West Division of the Rugby League Conference, North West Counties and the North West Merit League.-History:... |
| Chorley Panthers |
| Rochdale Cobras |
| Scottish 1st Division Rugby League Conference Scotland Division The Rugby League Conference Scotland Division, also known as the Scottish conference, is the Scottish domestic league for the sport of rugby league. It also forms a division of the Rugby League Conference competition which covers all of Great Britain... |
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| Aberdeen Warriors Aberdeen Warriors The Aberdeen Warriors are a Scottish rugby league team currently playing in the Scotland Rugby League Conference Division One.-History:The club was founded in 2011 by Craig Parslow , Tom Lee and Ray Hall . In the 2011 season, the Warriors won the Rugby League Conference Divisional 1... |
| Cumbernauld Cumbernauld Cumbernauld is a Scottish new town in North Lanarkshire. It was created in 1956 as a population overspill for Glasgow City. It is the eighth most populous settlement in Scotland and the largest in North Lanarkshire... |
| Moray Titans |
| South West Rugby League Conference South West Division The Rugby League Conference South West Division is a division in the Rugby League Conference, an amateur rugby league competition with sides from across Britain... |
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| Devon Sharks Devon Sharks Devon Sharks are a rugby league team based in Torquay, Devon. They play in the South West Division of the Rugby League Conference.-History:Devon Sharks were formed in 2006 out of Newton Abbot RFC as part of an initiative from the Rugby Football League to form new clubs for the Rugby League... |
| East Devon Eagles East Devon Eagles East Devon Eagles are a rugby league team based in Exmouth, Devon. They play in the South West Division of the Rugby League Conference.-History:... |
| Exeter Centurions Exeter Centurions Exeter Centurions are a rugby league team based in Exeter, Devon. They play in the South West Division of the Rugby League Conference.-History:Exeter Centurions were formed by Basingstoke Beasts founder Joe Catcheside.... |
| North Devon Raiders |
| Plymouth Titans Plymouth Titans Plymouth Rugby League Football Club is a rugby league club based in Plymouth.The club is a member of the South West Division of the Rugby League Conference, playing home matches at Horsham Fields, Plymouth.-History of rugby league in the South West:... |
| Somerset Vikings Somerset Vikings Somerset Vikings RLFC are a rugby league team from the county of Somerset in England. They play in the South West Division of the Rugby League Conference.The team play at North Petherton rugby club... |
| South Dorset Giants South Dorset Giants South Dorset Giants are a rugby league team based in Weymouth, Dorset. They play in the South West Division of the Rugby League Conference.-History:South Dorset Giants were founded in 2008 at Weymouth RFC's Monmouth Avenue ground... |
| Welsh Championship Rugby League Conference Welsh Championship The Rugby League Conference Welsh Championship is the lower of two Welsh domestic leagues for the sport of rugby league. It is a division of the Rugby League Conference competition which covers all of Great Britain.-History:... |
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| Bonymaen Broncos Bonymaen Broncos Bonymaen Broncos are a Welsh rugby league team that participate in the Rugby League Conference Welsh Championship. All home games are played at Bonymaen RFC.-History:... |
| Dyffryn Devils |
| Neath Port Talbot Steelers Neath Port Talbot Steelers Neath Port Talbot Steelers are a rugby league team based in Port Talbot, West Glamorgan. They play in the Welsh Premier division of the Rugby League Conference.-History:... |
| Tydfil Wildcats Rugby League Tydfil Wildcats Rugby League Tydfil Wildcats Rugby League is a Rugby League club based in Merthyr Tydfil. The club colours are yellow and blue. The home ground was the cage in Troedyrhiw until September 2010 but relocated for the 2011 season to Dowlais RFC. The Wildcats play in the Wales Rugby League conference.- History... |
| West of England Rugby League Conference South West Division The Rugby League Conference South West Division is a division in the Rugby League Conference, an amateur rugby league competition with sides from across Britain... |
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| Bristol Sonics Bristol Sonics Bristol Sonics are a rugby league club based in Bristol in the South West of England.The Sonics play in the Midlands Premier division of the Rugby League Conference. Bristol Sonics A play in the RLC West of England.- 2002-2004: Early Days :... 'A' |
| Gloucestershire Warriors Gloucestershire Warriors Gloucestershire Warriors RLFC are a rugby league team from the county of Gloucestershire in England. They play in the RLC West of England division of the Rugby League Conference and in 2006 made their debut in the Challenge Cup.-History:... |
| Oxford Cavaliers Oxford Cavaliers The Oxford Cavaliers are a rugby league team based in Oxford. They play in the RLC West of England.In their brief history Oxford Cavaliers have managed to supply players to professional clubs, such as Mike Castle and Corey Simms to the London Skolars, Darrell Griffin to Wakefield Trinity Wildcats,... |
| Swindon St George Swindon St George Swindon St George are a rugby league team playing in the RLC West of England.The kit consists of white shirts with a red St George's Cross over the front and back, red shorts with white trim down the side and red socks.-History:... |
| Wiltshire Wyverns Wiltshire Wyverns Wiltshire Wyverns is a rugby league based in Corsham, Wiltshire. They play in the Rugby League Conference West of England division.-History:Wiltshire Wyverns was established by Nick Westaway in March 2010 and played three friendly fixtures during the 2010 season. The club was accepted into the... |
- NB: The Midlands East & West divisions will be both Premier and Regional divisions as part way through the season they split into playoff pools for each division on a midlands-wide basis
- NB: Gateshead Lightning failed to start the season in the National division. East Leeds and Guiseley Rangers failed to start the season in the Yorkshire Premier Division (West). Doncaster Toll Bar failed to complete the season in the Yorkshire Premier Division (West). Moray Eels failed to start the season in the Scottish Premier division. Falkirk failed to start the season in the Scottish 1st Division. Ayr Knights failed to complete the season in the Scottish 1st Division. South Somerset Warriors failed to complete the season in the South West Division. CPC Bears failed to complete the season in the Welsh Premier division and their results stood. Blackwood Bulldogs failed to start the season in the South Wales Championship. Hainault Bulldogs failed to complete the season in the South Premier division and had their fixtures taken over by London Skolars A. Birmingham Bulldogs A failed to complete the season in the Midlands East division and their playoff place was taken by Coventry Dragons. Mancunians, Widnes West Bank and East Lancashire Vikings failed to complete the season in the North West Premier Division. Crewe & Nantwich Steamers failed to complete the season in the North West Regional division. Norwich City Saxons and Northampton Demons A failed to complete the season in the East division and their results stood.
Future of the Rugby League Conference
In 2012 it is planned that the structure of rugby league in this country be significantly changed below Super League level. This will include the abolition of the Rugby League Conference and the replacement with a series of regional league underpinning the National Conference LeagueNational Conference League
The National Conference League is the top league in the pyramid of amateur rugby leagues run by the British Amateur Rugby League Association...
, which is moving to summer, and the league currently known as the Rugby League Conference National Division
Rugby League Conference National Division
The Rugby League Conference National Division is the highest division in the Rugby League Conference. Between 2003 and 2006, it was known as National League Three.-National League Three:...
which will be rebranded perhaps as National Conference League division three http://www.nationalconferenceleague.co.uk/article/conference-league-2012-update.html
Women's Rugby League Conference
In 2011 the following teams will play in the Women's Rugby League ConferenceWomen's Rugby League Conference
The Women's Rugby League Conference is a rugby league competition for female teams in Britain. It began in 2008.The men's equivalent is the Rugby League Conference.-2011 structure:...
:
- Central Division: Bradford Thunderbirds, Brighouse Ladies, Dudley Hill Diamonds, Keighley Cats, West Craven Warriors
- North East Division: Featherstone RoversFeatherstone RoversFeatherstone Rovers are a semi-professional rugby league club, based in Featherstone, West Yorkshire, England. They currently play in the Championship. The Rovers are one of the last vestiges of "small town teams" that were once common in rugby league during the early twentieth century...
, Hunslet HawksHunslet HawksHunslet Hawks is a professional rugby league club based in Hunslet, West Yorkshire, England. The club, sometimes known as 'the Parksiders' after their former stadium, are currently champions of Championship One.-History:-Early years:...
, Peterlee PumasPeterlee PumasPeterlee Pumas are a rugby league team based in Peterlee, County Durham. They play in the North East Premier of the Rugby League Conference and their A-team plays in the RLC North East regional division.-History:...
, Leeds AkkiesLeeds AkkiesLeeds Akkies are a rugby league team based in The Old Modernians Sports Club, Cookridge Lane, Leeds, LS16 7ND, West Yorkshire. They play in the Yorkshire Regional division of the Rugby League Conference, their A side plays in the Yorkshire & Humber Merit League.-History:Leeds Akademiks were founded...
, Stanningley, Whinmoor - North West Division: Chorley Panthers, Leigh EastLeigh EastLeigh East ARLFC is an amateur rugby league team from Leigh, a town within the Metropolitan Borough of Wigan, in Greater Manchester, England. They play in the National Conference League. They currently play their home matches at Leigh Sports Village, Ledgard Avenue and their playing colours are...
, Leigh Minders Rangers, Mancunians RLMancunians RLMancunians RL is a rugby league club based in Manchester. They play in the North West Premier division of the Rugby League Conference. Their second team plays in the North West Merit League....
, Wigan Ladies - South Division: Coventry BearsCoventry BearsCoventry Bears are a rugby league club, formed in 1998. They have a proud history pioneering rugby league in the Midlands, their major honours include winning the National League 3 title in 2004 and the Rugby League Conference in 2002...
, Nottingham Outlaws, Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, The Army, West London SharksWest London SharksWest London Sharks RLFC is a rugby league team based in Chiswick, Hounslow, Middlesex. West London Sharks are now playing out of Chiswick RFU, Dukes Medow in Chiswick. They compete in the South Premier Division of the Rugby League Conference... - West Division: Crossfields, Halton, Macclesfield, Warrington, Widnes Moorfield
Rugby League Conference National
- 2003 Warrington Woolston RoversWarrington WizardsWarrington Wizards are a British rugby league team. They play in the National Division of the Rugby League Conference.-History:Warrington Woolston Rovers, a National Conference League team were invited to be founder members of the new National League Three, the 4th tier of British rugby league in...
(now Warrington Wizards) (as National League three) - 2004 Coventry BearsCoventry BearsCoventry Bears are a rugby league club, formed in 1998. They have a proud history pioneering rugby league in the Midlands, their major honours include winning the National League 3 title in 2004 and the Rugby League Conference in 2002...
(as National League three) - 2005 Bradford Dudley HillBradford Dudley HillBradford Dudley Hill Rugby League Club is an English rugby league team based in Bradford, West Yorkshire, now playing in the National Conference League.-History:...
(as National League three) - 2006 Bramley BuffaloesBramley BuffaloesBramley Buffaloes is a rugby league club from the Bramley area of West Leeds in West Yorkshire, England. Previously known simply as Bramley RLFC, the club is a famous name in rugby league, having existed prior to the formation of the Northern Union in 1895...
(as National League three) - 2007 Featherstone LionsFeatherstone LionsFeatherstone Lions are an amateur rugby league club from Featherstone, West Yorkshire who play in the Rugby League Conference National Division and the CMS Yorkshire league Division 3. The under-18 team play in the Gilette National Youth League....
- 2008 Crusaders Colts
- 2009 Bramley BuffaloesBramley BuffaloesBramley Buffaloes is a rugby league club from the Bramley area of West Leeds in West Yorkshire, England. Previously known simply as Bramley RLFC, the club is a famous name in rugby league, having existed prior to the formation of the Northern Union in 1895...
- 2010 Warrington WizardsWarrington WizardsWarrington Wizards are a British rugby league team. They play in the National Division of the Rugby League Conference.-History:Warrington Woolston Rovers, a National Conference League team were invited to be founder members of the new National League Three, the 4th tier of British rugby league in...
- 2011 Huddersfield Underbank RangersHuddersfield Underbank RangersHuddersfield Underbank Rangers are a rugby league team based in Holmfirth near Huddersfield, West Yorkshire. They play in the National Division of the Rugby League Conference. The club also competes as Underbank Rangers in division 4 of the Pennine League. They also have an Underbank Rangers A...
Harry Jepson Trophy
The Harry Jepson trophy was competed for by all the Conference sides up to 2004. From 2005, it has been competed for only by the RLC Premier divisions.- 1997 North London SkolarsLondon SkolarsLondon Skolars are a rugby league club based at the New River Stadium, Wood Green, Haringey in North London. They were founded in 1995 and have been semi-professional since 2003, operating in Championship One...
(as Southern Conference) - 1998 Crawley Jets
- 1999 Chester Wolves
- 2000 Crawley Jets
- 2001 Teesside Steelers
- 2002 Coventry BearsCoventry BearsCoventry Bears are a rugby league club, formed in 1998. They have a proud history pioneering rugby league in the Midlands, their major honours include winning the National League 3 title in 2004 and the Rugby League Conference in 2002...
- 2003 Bridgend Blue BullsBridgend Blue BullsBridgend Blue Bulls RLFC are a rugby league side based in Porthcawl, Wales. They play in the Welsh Premier of the Rugby League Conference. They are the most successful amateur rugby league team in Wales, having won the Welsh Premier a record five times, as well as winning the Harry Jepson Trophy...
- 2004 Widnes SaintsWidnes SaintsWidnes Saints are a rugby league team based in Widnes, Cheshire. They play in the North West Premier Division of the Rugby League Conference.-History:...
- 2005 Bridgend Blue BullsBridgend Blue BullsBridgend Blue Bulls RLFC are a rugby league side based in Porthcawl, Wales. They play in the Welsh Premier of the Rugby League Conference. They are the most successful amateur rugby league team in Wales, having won the Welsh Premier a record five times, as well as winning the Harry Jepson Trophy...
- 2006 South London Storm
- 2007 St Albans CenturionsSt Albans CenturionsSt Albans Centurions is a rugby league club based in St Albans, Hertfordshire.Founded in 1996, they first played in various local leagues and the Rugby League Conference, and then, from 2003 to 2006, in National League 3. From 2007 to date, they play in the Rugby League Conference South Premier...
- 2008 Nottingham Outlaws
- 2009 West London SharksWest London SharksWest London Sharks RLFC is a rugby league team based in Chiswick, Hounslow, Middlesex. West London Sharks are now playing out of Chiswick RFU, Dukes Medow in Chiswick. They compete in the South Premier Division of the Rugby League Conference...
- 2010 St Albans CenturionsSt Albans CenturionsSt Albans Centurions is a rugby league club based in St Albans, Hertfordshire.Founded in 1996, they first played in various local leagues and the Rugby League Conference, and then, from 2003 to 2006, in National League 3. From 2007 to date, they play in the Rugby League Conference South Premier...
- 2011 Parkside HawksParkside HawksParkside Hawks are a rugby league team based in Hunslet, Leeds. They play in the Yorkshire division of the Rugby League Conference.-History:Parkside Hawks were formed in 2009 as a joint venture between Hunslet Parkside and Hunslet Hawks...
RLC Regional
The RLC Regional is open to English sides that are in the regional divisions rather than the Premier divisions. It was introduced in 2005.- 2005 Wetherby Bulldogs
- 2006 Liverpool BuccaneersLiverpool BuccaneersLiverpool Buccaneers Rugby League Football Club are an amateur rugby league club from West Derby in Liverpool. The team play home games at Sefton RUFC in West Derby. Currently they play in the North West Premier division of the Rugby League Conference and the North West Merit League.-History:The...
- 2007 Widnes SaintsWidnes SaintsWidnes Saints are a rugby league team based in Widnes, Cheshire. They play in the North West Premier Division of the Rugby League Conference.-History:...
- 2008 Moorends-Thorne Marauders
- 2009 Northampton CasualsNorthampton CasualsNorthampton Demons is a rugby league club based in Northampton. They play in the Rugby League Conference.-Background - Nene Valley and Northampton Knights:...
(now Northampton Demons) - 2010 Northampton Demons
- 2011 Elmbridge Eagles
See also
- British rugby league system
- Co-operative Championship
- National Conference LeagueNational Conference LeagueThe National Conference League is the top league in the pyramid of amateur rugby leagues run by the British Amateur Rugby League Association...
- London LeagueLondon League (rugby league)The London, South and East Merit League is a rugby league competition founded in 1965. It is also known as the London League , London & South East Merit League, London Amateur Rugby League and London Merit League ....
- RL Merit League
- Midlands Rugby LeagueMidlands Rugby LeagueThe 3vSport.com Midlands Rugby League is a summer rugby league tournament in the Midlands region of England. It is a feeder league to the Rugby League Conference and a successor league to the Midlands Merit League...