84-522: Regional 1 South West (formerly South West Premier and National League 3 South West ) is a level five league in the English rugby union system . It is one of six leagues at this level. When this division began in 1987 it was known as South West Division 1. The format of the league was changed at the beginning of the 2009–10 season following reorganisation by the Rugby Football Union , and
168-593: A novel coronavirus was the cause of a respiratory illness in a cluster of people in Wuhan City, Hubei , China, which was reported to the WHO on 31 December 2019. The case fatality ratio for COVID-19 has been much lower than SARS of 2003 , but the transmission has been significantly greater, with a significant total death toll. Scientists used statistical analysis of data from genetic sequencing, combined with epidemiological and estimated travel data, to estimate
252-787: A further increase in cases that surpassed previous records, although the true number of infections was thought to be higher. It became mandatory for people to show proof of full vaccination or proof that they are not infected to enter certain indoor hospitality and entertainment venues. On 9 January 2022, the UK became the seventh country worldwide to pass 150,000 reported COVID-19 deaths. All remaining legally enforced COVID-19 related restrictions concluded in Northern Ireland and England during February 2022, with that step being taken in Scotland (partially extended into April) and Wales by
336-506: A hospital appointment, and 37% of older people felt less confident going to a GP surgery. Research by The Sunday Times reported that in 2021, the proportion of private school pupils receiving A*, a mark for exceptional achievement, was 39.5 per cent, rising from 16.1 per cent in 2019. The highest record in terms of increase came from the North London Collegiate School , where senior fees could surpass £21,000
420-480: A league imbalance due to only one team coming down from National League 2 South, both Bromsgrove and Bracknell have been level transferred into the league from National League 3 Midlands and National League 3 London & SE respectively, Bromsgrove having finished 9th and Bracknell 11th. Each season, the runners-up in the National League 3 London & SE , and National League 3 South West participate in
504-619: A new league structure would be implemented in the community game from 2022–23. The new structure which was partly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic will be reviewed every three years and saw the following changes: Below level 6 leagues sizes will depend on number of teams and geographical location. In February 2021, the RFU approved a moratorium on relegation from both the Premiership and Championship in response to uncertainty caused by
588-464: A play-off for promotion to National League 2 South. The team with the best playing record, in this case Exmouth, hosts the match; their opponents were Barnes and the match was played on 25 April 2015. At the end of full-time the match score was 22 – 22, and Barnes scored the only points in extra-time, to win the match 27– 22. After extra time (80 mins: 22 – 22) The first season as a national league When league rugby began in 1987 this division contained
672-472: A play-off for promotion to National League 2 South. The team with the best playing record, in this case Tonbridge Juddians, host the match and their opponents were Barnstaple, who won the match 30 – 31, scoring the winning points with a penalty in the last seconds of the match. Each season, the runners-up in the National League 3 London and SE, and National League 3 South West participate in
756-471: A play-off for the third promotion place to National League 2 South. The team with the best playing record, in this case Wimbledon , hosted the match and destroyed their opponents Dings Crusaders 55 – 5 to win promotion. Nine of the fourteen teams participated in last season's competition. They are joined by two teams relegated from National League 2 South, Dings Crusaders and Lydney; and by three promoted teams Cleve, Chippenham and Ivybridge. The teams leaving
840-475: A second tier of professional competition. The former National Division One was decreased from 16 clubs to 12 to accommodate the new fixture structure. For the first three seasons this included: Starting with the 2012–13 season , the second group stage was discontinued. The top four teams at the end of the home-and-away season entered play-offs to determine the league champion, which earned promotion providing Premiership entry standards were met. The bottom team at
924-463: A sign of professionalism. In the 1970s the RFU allowed the creation of regional merit leagues with the most significant ones being the North, Midlands, South West and London merit leagues. In 1984 the RFU approved the creation of two national merit tables where clubs had to play a minimum of eight games against the clubs in their division. 1985 saw the creation of a third national merit league. In 1987 this
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#17327976185951008-563: A significant impact on people's mental health—with particular damage to the mental health of foreign-born men whose work hours have been reduced/eliminated. The pandemic has had far-reaching consequences in the country that go beyond the spread of the disease itself and efforts to quarantine it, including political, cultural, and social implications. Sophie Grégoire Trudeau , the wife of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau , tested positive for COVID-19 upon her return from WE Day events in
1092-529: A tier 5 league with promotion up to National League 2 South (formerly National League 3 South) and relegation to either South West 1 East or South West 1 West (formerly South West 2 East / South West 2 West). For the 2017–18 season all divisions at tier 5 were renamed from National League 3 to Premier meaning that National League 3 South West became known as South West Premier. Promotion continued to National League 2 South and relegation to either South West 1 East or South West 1 West . From 2022–33 season
1176-690: A year and the proportion of A* grades rose from 33.8 per cent in 2019 to 90.2 per cent in the summer of 2021. At 25 schools, the number of A* grades trebled or even quadrupled. These and other findings led MPs to call for an inquiry into the "manipulation" of the exam system during the COVID-19 crisis. The pandemic was widely disruptive to the economy of the United Kingdom, with most sectors and workforces adversely affected. Some temporary shutdowns became permanent; some people who were furloughed were later made redundant. The economic disruption has had
1260-471: Is the best way to compare outcomes between countries. The study found that, compared to other countries, the UK tended to attribute more deaths to COVID-19. A Cambridge University epidemiologist, Raghib Ali, said that the study would correct "widespread misconceptions" about the way the UK had handled the pandemic, and that there was "no clear relationship between levels of excess mortality and different levels of restrictions... across western Europe or indeed
1344-536: Is the top level league in England, containing the best 10 professional clubs. The premiership still includes strict ground criteria and a salary cap that must be met by all participants. Promotion from the Championship remains (subject to eligibility), however the bottom side have not been relegated since the end of the 2019–20 season. The club seeking promotion must meet the minimum standards criteria. The champion
1428-491: Is the top team in the RFU Championship after the league season. A play-off system was previously in place to decide which team were crowned champions. It was hoped this would bring to an end a select number of clubs bouncing between the leagues. (For example, each season between 2005–06 and 2008–09 saw the club relegated to National Division One earning promotion to the Premiership the following season, and also either
1512-407: Is transferred from Regional 1 South Central . Nine of last years teams participate in this season's competition. Champions, Camborne were promoted to National League 2 West while Old Centralians (11th) and Drybrook (12th) were both relegated to Regional 2 Severn . Six of the teams are from Devon , while Cornwall , Gloucestershire and Somerset each have two clubs. This
1596-557: The RFU Championship which replaced the old National Division One. This league also had 12 teams, and like the Premiership, is professional . Beneath the two professional leagues, the National Leagues were restructured to include a new 16 team National League 1 , 16 team National League 2 South and 16 team National League 2 North . The four top regional leagues became part of National League 3 at level five. For
1680-586: The severe economic impact . It also forwent the procurement process in contracts in response to shortages of PPE and medical equipment , major issues in the early months of the outbreak, and for developing a contact tracing app . There has been some disparity between the outbreak's severity in England , Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland – health-care in the UK is devolved , each constituent country having its own publicly-funded healthcare system run by devolved governments. The COVID-19 pandemic led to
1764-410: The 2017-18 season, the National League 3 leagues were renamed to have Premier as part of their title in order to make a distinction between regional rugby union and the National Leagues above. Other changes that season saw London 3 North East be replaced by two new leagues - London 3 Eastern Counties and London 3 Essex - with teams transferred depending on location. In 2020, it was announced that
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#17327976185951848-415: The 20th-highest death rate worldwide. Since early 2021 the UK has had one of the world's highest testing rates. In March 2022, The Lancet published a study showing that, compared to other western European countries, with 127 per 100,000 population, the UK had a lower excess deaths rate during the pandemic than the average, and lower than Italy (227), Portugal (202), Spain (187), Belgium (147), and
1932-409: The COVID-19 pandemic. It was also confirmed that league structure and minimum standards criteria for promotion were being reviewed. The moratorium only covered relegation and did not include promotion from the Championship meaning the Premiership expanded to 13 teams with the Championship reduced to 11 in 2021–22 with the promotion of Saracens . In June 2021, as part of the wider review the moratorium
2016-562: The Netherlands (140), that the difference between the UK, France (124), and Germany (121) was not statistically significant, and that Ireland (13) and the Scandinavian countries had a lower rate. The UK rate is marginally more than the world average of 120. The study was of excess mortality in 191 countries over the years 2020 and 2021 during the pandemic, the method that the chief medical officer of England , Chris Whitty , said
2100-600: The Omicron wave continued. Economic support was given to struggling businesses, including a furlough scheme for employees. As well as the major strain on the UK's healthcare service , the pandemic has had a severe impact on the UK's economy , caused major disruptions to education and had far-reaching impacts on society and politics . On 12 January 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed that
2184-584: The UK and were given special permission to visit a dying parent. The women had entered the country on 7 June, after first flying into Doha and Brisbane . A 2021 study suggested that the SARS-CoV-2 Alpha variant , which was first detected in Kent , spread internationally via flights originating in London in late 2020. This article presents official statistics gathered during the COVID-19 pandemic in
2268-500: The UK introduced advice for travellers coming from affected countries in late January and February 2020, and began contact tracing , although this was later abandoned. The government incrementally introduced further societal restrictions on the public as the virus spread across the country in the following weeks, initially resisting more stringent measures introduced elsewhere in Europe and Asia . Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced
2352-437: The UK went into a third lockdown . The second wave peaked in mid-January with over 1,000 daily deaths, before declining into the summer. The first COVID-19 vaccine was approved and began being deployed across the UK in early December, with a staggered rollout prioritising the most vulnerable and then moving to progressively younger age groups. The UK was the first country to do so, and in early 2021 its vaccination program
2436-832: The UK; on 12 March 2020 the Trudeau family entered two weeks of self-isolation. The first patient in Mauritius was a 59-year-old man who returned from the United Kingdom on 7 March 2020. When he arrived in Mauritius, the Mauritian had no symptoms. Other cases of the novel coronavirus resulting from travel to the UK were subsequently reported in India and Nigeria. On 16 June 2020, it was widely reported in British media that New Zealand's first COVID-19 cases in 24 days were diagnosed in two British women, both of whom had travelled from
2520-776: The United Kingdom The COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom is a part of the worldwide pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 ( COVID-19 ) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 ( SARS-CoV-2 ). In the United Kingdom , it has resulted in 25,012,428 confirmed cases, and is associated with 232,112 deaths. The virus began circulating in the country in early 2020, arriving primarily from travel elsewhere in Europe. Various sectors responded , with more widespread public health measures incrementally introduced from March 2020. The first wave
2604-546: The United Kingdom. Reports from the Medical Research Council's Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis at Imperial College , London have been providing mathematically calculated estimates of cases and case fatality rates. In February 2020, the team at Imperial College, led by epidemiologist Neil Ferguson , estimated about two-thirds of cases in travellers from China were not detected and that some of these may have begun "chains of transmission within
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2688-418: The aim is to reduce the health impact of the epidemic but not to stop transmission completely; and suppression, where the aim is to reduce transmission rates to a point where case numbers fall. Until this point, government actions had been based on a strategy of mitigation, but the modelling predicted that while this would reduce deaths by approximately 2/3, it would still lead to approximately 250,000 deaths from
2772-522: The countries they entered". They forecast that the new type of coronavirus could infect up to 60% of the UK's population, in the worst-case scenario. In a paper on 16 March 2020, the Imperial College team provided detailed forecasts of the potential impacts of the epidemic in the UK and US. It detailed the potential outcomes of an array of 'non-pharmaceutical interventions'. Two potential overall strategies outlined were: mitigation, in which
2856-460: The country's healthcare system , leading to long waiting lists for medical procedures and ambulances, also led to an indirect increase in deaths from other conditions. It also had a major mental health impact . In August 2021, a report from Age UK found that 27% of people over 60 could not walk as far and 25% were living in more physical pain earlier this year compared to the start of the pandemic. 54% of older people felt less confident attending
2940-581: The country, localised lockdowns, social distancing measures , self-isolation laws for those exposed to the virus and rules on face masks were introduced (though certain exemptions were permitted), as well as efforts to expand COVID-19 testing and tracing. In autumn and winter 2020, further nationwide lockdowns were introduced in response to a surge in COVID-19 cases and the Alpha variant . A COVID-19 vaccination programme began in December 2020. In mid-2021,
3024-673: The current champions. The season runs from September to April and comprises twenty-two rounds of matches, with each club playing each of its rivals, home and away. The results of the matches contribute points to the league as follows: Nine of last years teams participate in this season's competition. Five of the teams are from Devon , while Cornwall , Gloucestershire and Wiltshire have two clubs each and Somerset one club. Devonport Services , as champions, are promoted to National League 2 West . Okehampton (11th) and Weston-super-Mare (12th) are relegated to Regional 2 South West and Regional 2 Severn respectively, while Marlborough (9th)
3108-473: The delay in the reporting of deaths from the virus meant there was a risk of underestimating the steepness of the rising epidemic trend. In December 2021 scientists from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine predicted that Omicron could cause from 25,000 to 75,000 deaths in England over the five months to April 2022 unless there were more stringent restrictions, and would probably become
3192-481: The disease and the health systems becoming overwhelmed. On 16 March, the Prime Minister announced changes to government advice, extending self-isolation to whole households, advising social distancing particularly for vulnerable groups, and indicating that further measures were likely to be required in the future. A paper on 30 March 2020 by the Imperial College group estimated that the lockdown would reduce
3276-410: The dominant variant by the end of 2021. As of 20 December 2021, there had been 11.4 million confirmed cases – the most in Europe and fourth-highest worldwide. By that date there had been 232,112 deaths among people who had recently tested positive – the world's seventh-highest death toll and 28th-highest death rate by population . This is Europe's second-highest death toll after Russia , and
3360-686: The early weeks of the pandemic, case numbers were underestimated, obscuring the extent of the outbreak. A legally-enforced Stay at Home Order, or lockdown , was introduced on 23 March, banning all non-essential travel and contact with other people, and shut schools, businesses, venues and gathering places. People were told to keep apart in public. Those with symptoms, and their households, were told to self-isolate , while those considered at highest risk were told to shield . The health services worked to raise hospital capacity and established temporary critical care hospitals , but initially faced some shortages of personal protective equipment . By mid-April it
3444-581: The end of March. Cases rose following the relaxation of restrictions but began, along with hospitalisations and deaths, to fall shortly after. The UK Health Security Agency publishes a weekly "national influenza and coronavirus (COVID-19) report", which summarises COVID-19 levels and other seasonal respiratory illnesses. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom, the UK Government introduced various public health and economic measures to mitigate its impact. Devolution meant that
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3528-467: The end of home-and-away season was relegated to, and replaced by the champions of, the third tier National League 1 . From 2017–18 through to 2019–20 and from 2021–22 , the championship play-off was eliminated. The league-season champions earned automatic promotion (again, assuming that they meet Premiership standards). Relegation criteria did not change. However, there was a moratorium placed on relegation in both 2020–21 and 2021–22 . From 2023–24
3612-487: The first national lockdown on 23 March 2020 and Parliament introduced the Coronavirus Act 2020 , which granted the devolved governments emergency powers and empowered the police to enforce public health measures. As the governments began lifting the nationwide stay-at-home order, policies and approaches diverged between the four nations. The Scottish government uniquely pursued an elimination strategy . Across
3696-795: The first time. This was Westcliff's first appearance in the play-offs and Barnstaple's second; in 2016 Barnstaple beat Tonbridge Juddians 31 – 30 at Tonbridge. The home team have won fifteen out of 19 play-off matches and the south-east team have won the play-off thirteen times. Ten of the fourteen teams participated in last season's competition (when it was known as National League 3 South West). They are joined by Exmouth , who were relegated from National League 2 South , and by three promoted sides; Weston-super-Mare , Maidenhead and Newbury Blues . Old Redcliffians (champions) were promoted to National League 2 South, while Launceston were relegated to ( South West 1 West ), Salisbury to ( South West 1 East ) and Bromsgrove to ( Midlands 1 West ). Each season,
3780-666: The following teams: In the first season of the English rugby union league pyramid, sponsored by Courage, there was four, tier five leagues. The geographical area for teams in South West Division One covered an area of south-west England from Oxfordshire and Berkshire in the east to Cornwall in the west. There were eleven teams in the league and they played each team once, giving each team ten matches. The other tier five leagues were London 1, Midlands 1 and North 1. This system prevailed for five seasons, and in 1992–93
3864-699: The four nations' administrative responses to the pandemic differed; the Scottish Government , the Welsh Government , and the Northern Ireland Executive produced different policies to those that apply in England. Numerous laws were enacted or introduced throughout the crisis. The UK government had developed a pandemic response plan in previous years. In response to the first confirmed COVID-19 cases in January 2020,
3948-545: The government lifted most restrictions during the third wave driven by the Delta variant , until the "winter plan" reintroduced some rules in response to the Omicron variant in December that year. Remaining restrictions were lifted in England from 24 February 2022 under a " living with COVID " plan announced by the government on that date. Economic support was provided to struggling businesses and to furlough employees to mitigate
4032-516: The highest level, down to amateur regional leagues. Promotion and relegation are in place throughout the system. Women's Rugby union in England consists of 26 leagues, which includes a national semi-professional league at the highest level, down to amateur regional leagues. Promotion and relegation are in place throughout the system, with the exception of the Women's Premiership . Historically, there were no leagues allowed as these were seen as
4116-535: The highly transmissible SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant . However, mass vaccination continued to keep deaths and hospitalisations at much lower levels than in previous waves. Infection rates remained high and hospitalisations and deaths rose into the autumn. In December, the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant was confirmed to have arrived and begun spreading widely in the community, particularly in London , driving
4200-409: The largest fall in life expectancy in England since records began in 1981. On average, British COVID-19 victims lost around a decade of life; the last time deaths rose so sharply in the UK was during World War II . In 2020, the disease was the leading cause of death among men, and second leading cause among women. Research in 2021 suggests over 1 million people in the UK have had Long COVID , with
4284-500: The league were the 2014–15 champions, Redingensians who were promoted to National League 2 South and the relegated teams, Chard and Weston-super-Mare to play in South West 1 West, and Oxford Harlequins to South West 1 East. Bracknell , who finished 3rd last season, transferred to National League 3 London and SE. Each season, the runners-up in the National League 3 London and SE, and National League 3 South West participate in
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#17327976185954368-447: The level 4 National League 2 East , National League 2 West or National League 2 North depending on geographical location. The fourth tier is increased to three leagues of 14 teams each. The three league champions are promoted, with the bottom two in each league relegated to their respective regional division. With the restructuring, levels 5–11 became the new regional system. There are now 6 Regional 1 leagues, which are connected to
4452-478: The majority reporting substantial impacts on day-to-day life. Professor Danny Altmann of Imperial College London said in March 2022, "It's kind of an anathema to me that we've kind of thrown in the towel on control of Omicron wave infections and have said 'it's endemic, and we don't care any more, because it's very benign'," he said. "It just isn't. And there are new people joining the long Covid support groups all
4536-492: The name change from National League 3 to South West Premier was introduced for the 2017–18 season by the RFU in order to lessen confusion for what is a series of regional leagues. Regional 1 South West, is the highest regional rugby union league covering South West England . The club finishing in first place is promoted to National League 2 West . Relegated teams drop down to either Regional 2 South West or Regional 2 Severn , depending on their location. Devonport Services are
4620-433: The national leagues by promotion and relegation. The table below shows the current structure of the system. For each division, its official name, sponsorship name (which differs from its historic name) and number of clubs is given. At levels 1–3, each division promotes to the national division(s) that lie directly above it and relegates to the national division(s) that lie directly below it. Below that level, clubs relegate to
4704-1016: The nearest local league. Level 1 Premiership Rugby 10 clubs 2 RFU Championship 12 clubs 3 National League 1 14 clubs 4 National League 2 North 14 clubs National League 2 East 14 clubs National League 2 West 14 clubs 5 Regional 1 North East 12 clubs Regional 1 North West 12 clubs Regional 1 South East 12 clubs Regional 1 South Central 12 clubs Regional 1 South West 12 clubs Regional 1 Midlands 12 clubs 6 Regional 2 North 12 clubs Regional 2 North East 12 clubs Regional 2 North West 12 clubs Regional 2 Anglia 12 clubs Regional 2 South East 12 clubs Regional 2 Thames 12 clubs Regional 2 South Central 12 clubs Regional 2 South West 12 clubs Regional 2 Severn 12 clubs Regional 2 Midlands West 12 clubs Regional 2 Midlands North 12 clubs COVID-19 pandemic in
4788-555: The new Delta variant , began in July 2021, but the rate of deaths and hospitalisations was lower than with the first two waves – this being attributed to the mass vaccination programme. By early December 2021, the Omicron variant had arrived, and caused record infection levels. The UK government and each of the three devolved governments (in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales) introduced public health and economic measures , including new laws , to mitigate its impact. A national lockdown
4872-467: The number of dead from 510,000 to less than 20,000. This paper and others relied on data from European countries including the UK to estimate that the combined non-pharmaceutical interventions reduced the reproduction number of the virus by 67–87%, enough to stop infections from growing. However, followup work concluded that the effectiveness of interventions was lower in later waves of infections. In April 2020, biostatistician Professor Sheila Bird said
4956-451: The number of teams increased from eleven to thirteen. The following season (1993–94) the league was reorganised and the four tier five leagues became two; National 5 North and National 5 South . After three seasons, in 1996–97, a further reorganisation occurred, and there was a return to four, tier five leagues; with South West Division One covering the area of south-west England from Berkshire westwards. This system prevailed until 2009–10 when
5040-544: The number of teams was increased from twelve to fourteen and renamed National League Three South West. There was a name change for the beginning of season 2017–18 when the division was renamed the South West Premier. The original South West 1 was a tier 5 league with promotion up to Area League 2 South and relegation down to South West 2 (presently split into two leagues known as South West 1 East and South West 1 West ). The top six teams from South West 1 and
5124-446: The number of tier 5 leagues was increased from four to six. From 2000–01 season there was a promotion play-off game between the runners-up of London & South East Premier and South West Premier for the third and final promotion place to National League 2 South ; with the team with the superior league record having home advantage. As of the 2018–19 season, the London and south-east teams have been most successful with thirteen wins to
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#17327976185955208-688: The ongoing pandemic, the 2020–21 season was cancelled. The season ended before all the matches were completed because of the coronavirus pandemic and the RFU used a best playing record formula to decide the final table. Barnstaple are the champions. Ten of the thirteen teams participated in last season's competition. They are joined by three promoted sides; Launceston , Newbury Blues and Okehampton . Bournemouth were promoted to National League 2 South , while relegated sides included Newton Abbot and Cleve (both South West 1 West ), and Old Patesians ( South West 1 East ). Initially, Bromsgrove were due to be level transferred from Midlands Premier but
5292-556: The play-offs and Bournemouth's second. Bournemouth's previous appearance was in 2011 when they lost to Hertford 23 – 22. Nine of the fourteen teams participated in last season's competition. They are joined by Launceston who were relegated from National League 2 South, and by two promoted sides: Camborne and Salisbury . Exmouth (champions) and Barnstaple (play-off) were promoted to National League 2 South, while Chippenham were relegated to South West 1 West , and Old Patesians and Old Centralians to South West 1 East. To address
5376-418: The promotion or relegation of Leeds Carnegie ). Debate still continues over the question of promotion and relegation, but with the strict criteria fears are reduced. From 2023–24, the last placed team from the Premiership will playoff against the Championship winner (subject to promotion eligibility) for a place in the following season's Premiership. The new RFU Championship was formed in 2009–10 to provide
5460-416: The runners-up in the South West Premier (formerly National League 3 South West) and London & South East Premier (National League 3 London & South East) participate in a play-off for the third promotion place to National League 2 South. The team with the best playing record, in this case Westcliff, hosted the match and beat their opponents Barnstaple 44 – 5 to win promotion to National League 2 South for
5544-427: The runners-up in the South West Premier (formerly National League 3 South West) and London & South East Premier (formerly National League 3 London & SE) participate in a play-off for the third promotion place to National League 2 South. The team with the best playing record, in this case Guernsey, hosted the match and beat their opponents Bournemouth 38 – 23 to win promotion. This was Guernsey's first appearance in
5628-458: The source locations of the virus in the UK up to the beginning of March 2020, and following the initial importations which were likely from China or elsewhere in Asia. From this analysis they estimated that about 33% were from Spain, 29% from France, 12% from Italy and 26% from elsewhere. Notes: Though later reporting indicated that there may have been some cases dating from late 2019, COVID-19
5712-436: The south-west teams six, while the home side have won fifteen of the nineteen ties. The last play-off was in 2018–19, with the next two seasons cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom and following the increase of leagues at this level to three, only the champions are promoted. English rugby union system Men's Rugby union in England consists of 106 leagues, which includes professional leagues at
5796-727: The summer of 2022. Nine of the fourteen teams participated in the previous competition (2019–20). The champions, Barnstaple were promoted to National League 2 South , while Newbury and Bracknell were both relegated to South West 1 East . Maidenhead have been level transferred to London & South East Premier . The teams coming into this season's competition are Old Redcliffians and Bournemouth , both relegated from National League 2 South in 15th and 16th position respectively. Teams promoted into this season's competition are Hornets , champions of South West 1 West , and two teams from South West 1 East , Royal Wootton Bassett and Old Centralians (1st and 2nd respectively). Due to
5880-567: The time with their disabilities. It's really not OK, and it's heartbreaking." The Office for National Statistics estimated that the number of people in the UK with continuing COVID symptoms like fatigue, muscle pain and breathing problems had doubled in a year from one million in May 2021 to two million in May 2022. The Guardian reported in June 2022 that treatment facilities for patients with long COVID were inadequate. The pandemic's major impact on
5964-406: The top six from London 1 were combined to create National 5 South . South West 1 dropped to become a tier six league and was one of two feeder leagues for National 5 South. Relegation continued to South West 2 (currently South West 1 East and South West 1 West ). At the end of the 1995–96 season National 5 South was discontinued and South West 1 returned to being a tier 5 league. Promotion
6048-412: The virus is thought to have originated in Kent around September 2020. Once restrictions were lifted, the novel variant rapidly spread across the UK. Its increased transmissibility contributed to a continued increase in daily infections that surpassed previous records. The healthcare system had come under severe strain by late December. Following a partial easing of restrictions for Christmas, all of
6132-422: The winner (subject to eligibility) will contest a playoff with the bottom placed team in the Premiership for a place in the next season's Premiership. The new National League structure includes: The National League 1 was decreased from 16 to 14 teams. This resulted in a 26-game season on a home and away basis. The champions are promoted to the level 2 RFU Championship, and the bottom three sides are relegated to
6216-622: The withdrawal of Birmingham & Solihull from the league system meant that they stayed put, leaving South West Premier with just thirteen teams. Nine of the fourteen teams participated in last season's competition. They are joined by Barnstaple , who were relegated from National League 2 South , and by three promoted sides; Drybrook , Exeter University and Old Patesians . Dings Crusaders (last seasons champions) were promoted to National League 2 South, while Hornets and Lydney were both relegated to South West 1 West , and Newbury Blues relegated to South West 1 East . Each season,
6300-703: Was at the time one of the largest worldwide. By the autumn, COVID-19 cases were again rising. This led to the introduction of social distancing measures and some localised restrictions. Larger lockdowns took place in all of Wales, England and Northern Ireland later that season. In both England and Scotland, tiered restrictions were introduced in October, and England went into a month-long lockdown during November followed by new tiered restrictions in December. Multi-week 'circuit-breaker' lockdowns were imposed in Wales and Northern Ireland . A new variant of
6384-480: Was at the time one of the world's largest outbreaks. By mid-April the peak had been passed and restrictions were gradually eased. A second wave, with a new variant that originated in the UK becoming dominant, began in the autumn and peaked in mid-January 2021, and was deadlier than the first. The UK started a COVID-19 vaccination programme in early December 2020. Generalised restrictions were gradually lifted and were mostly ended by August 2021. A third wave, fuelled by
6468-420: Was confirmed to be present in the UK by the end of January 2020 with the first confirmed deaths in March. Subsequent epidemiological analysis showed that over 1000 lineages of SARS-CoV-2 entered the UK in early 2020 from international travellers, mostly from outbreaks elsewhere in Europe , leading to numerous clusters that overwhelmed contact tracing efforts. Limited testing and surveillance meant during
6552-464: Was extended by a further two years in the Premiership and also included relegation from the Championship in 2021–22 and promotion from the Championship following the 2022–23 season. This means the Premiership may be further expanded to 14 teams in 2022–23 and the Championship may be reduced to 10. A summary of changes is outlines below: Promotion remains subject to minimum standards which have been reviewed and include several factors. Premiership Rugby
6636-484: Was formed into a true national league system. The format and competitiveness of the leagues has changed greatly since the leagues were first formed and a widespread and global restructuring of the leagues was announced in November 2008, for implementation from the 2009–10 season. Under this new structure, the top league remained the 12-team Gallagher Premiership . The second tier league was rebranded and restructured as
6720-563: Was introduced on 23 March 2020 and lifted in May, replaced with specific regional restrictions. Further nationwide restrictions were introduced later in 2020 in response to a surge in cases. Most restrictions were lifted during the Delta-variant-driven third wave in mid-2021. The "winter plan" reintroduced some rules in response to the Omicron variant in December 2021, and all restrictions were lifted in February and March 2022 as
6804-493: Was one of the fastest in the world. By August 2021, more than 75% of adults in the UK were fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Quarantine rules for all incoming travellers were introduced for the first time in late January. Restrictions began to ease from late February onwards and almost all had ended in Great Britain by August. A third wave of daily infections began in July 2021 due to the arrival and rapid spread of
6888-405: Was reported that restrictions had " flattened the curve " of the epidemic and the UK had passed its peak after 26,000 deaths. The UK's overall death toll and by population surpassed that of Italy on 3 May, making the UK the worst affected country in Europe at the time. Restrictions were steadily eased across the UK in late spring and early summer that year. The UK's epidemic in early 2020
6972-485: Was the first season following the RFU Adult Competition Review. The first matches were played on 4 September 2021 and the final league matches on 23 April 2022. Exeter University (as champions), Old Redcliffians (as runner-up) and Hornets (3rd) are all promoted to National League 2 West (formerly National League 2 South ). The RFU will announce the format of the tier 5 leagues during
7056-427: Was up to National 4 South (now known as National League 2 South), while the splitting of South West 2 into two regional divisions, meant that relegation was now down to either South West 2 East or South West 2 West (currently South West 1 East / South West 1 West). The division was renamed National League 3 South West following a restructuring of the national leagues which led to changes at all levels. It remained
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