1996–97 Courage League National Division Three

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
ChampionsExeter (1st title)
Runners-upFylde (also promoted)
RelegatedWalsall, Havant, Redruth, Clifton
Matches played240

Structure

The 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

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
1996–97 Courage League National Division Three Table[3]
Club Played Won Drawn Lost Points for Points against Points diff Points
1Exeter30250592344348050
2Fylde30241581343937449
3Leeds302406120943277748
4Morley30220892857035844
5Harrogate301801282359922436
6Reading301711296963133831
7Wharfedale30170137106357530
8Rosslyn Park30170136306201030
9Otley3013017720766−4626
10Lydney3013017668766−9826
11London Welsh3012018632777−14524
12Liverpool St Helens309021665827−16218
13Walsall308022640980–34016
14Havant308022580954−37416
15Redruth3080225651116−55116
16Clifton3040265181347−8298
  • Points are awarded as follows:
  1. 2 pts for a win
  2. 1 pt for a draw
  3. 0 pts for a loss
  • If teams are level at any stage, the following tiebreaker is applied:
  1. Difference between points for and against
Green background are promotion places. Pink background are relegation places.

Sponsorship

National 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

References
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. "Courage Clubs Championship 1996/97". Moseley Rugby Club. Retrieved 19 December 2016.
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