DN Leagues & Lower XV - May Update

Club Chair & Hon Sec

Update on Men’s League Structure – 2026/27 Season

Following an extensive consultation process with Durham clubs and in line with RFU deadlines, Durham County will be proceeding with the introduction of Lower XV teams into the league structure for the 2026/27 season. Durham clubs voted in favour of this change, and a number of clubs have already submitted teams wishing to enter.

Northumberland clubs have voted to allow Lower XVs but to defer until 2027/28 season. This proposal from Northumberland to delay implementation by one season was not agreed in advance with Durham.

Despite several months of discussions between both counties, and involvement from RFU and ROC North Competitions, it has not been possible to reach a shared solution.

As a result, the combined Durham & Northumberland leagues will cease to operate next season.

From 2026/27, Northumberland will have to operate its own league structure consisting of 8 clubs. Durham will move to a standalone league system, with the capacity to run multiple leagues reflecting our club numbers and allowing Lower XV entries from Durham clubs and, have an open offer for teams from other counties to apply to be included(both 1st & lower XV's. This approach has the full support of the RFU and ROC North Competitions.

Eight lower XV's from Durham clubs have already committed teams, and the application process has been reopened to allow any additional clubs (including those currently in other leagues, ) to apply. The landscape is changing both with the RFU league structure and the Candy leagues, Lower XV's entering the leagues also changes the offering to clubs outside of it, please review what this means for your club.

The deadline for expressions of interest is 24th May.

League designs will then be developed, with fixtures issued in line with the usual June

timetable.

While this is not the outcome Durham initially sought, the priority now is to ensure a stable, well-balanced competition that supports player retention, appropriate playing levels, and the long-term development of the game across the county.

Clubs with questions, ideas (including around league sizes or substitution numbers), or wishing to enter a team should contact countyadmin@durhamcountyrfu.co.uk.

David Trott

Chair of Community Rugby