National League Rugby exists to represent the National Division Clubs – Leagues 1 and 2 (North, West, and East) – a total of 56 clubs, in their dealings with the Rugby Football Union (RFU).

Its roots trace back to the early 1970s with the formation of the informal “Gate-Taking Clubs” association. This original group of eighteen clubs sought greater recognition within Rugby Union, believing their influence and contribution to the sport were undervalued.

From this movement emerged the English Merit Tables for leading clubs, where rankings were determined by a percentage of wins, subject to a minimum number of games within the competition. These merit tables lasted for several years until they were replaced in the 1987/88 season by the Courage Leagues.

The introduction of the league system also saw the creation of the Senior Clubs Association (SCA), run by a twelve-member executive. Recognised by the RFU, the SCA had eight members serving on the Senior Clubs Sub-Committee of the RFU. However, there was no direct representation on the RFU’s full committee, which remained dominated by county representation.

It was not until the 1995/96 season that the association gained full committee representation, following recommendations from the influential Taylor Report (1994). This report, commissioned after the SCA had helped organise the National Leagues in partnership with the RFU, advised that the RFU formally recognise the National Clubs Association (NCA) as the body representing clubs in the top four leagues. The RFU agreed, but the NCA was granted only two places on the full committee and no representation on the then-Executive Committee, though it did gain more seats on advisory panels.

The arrival of professionalism in August 1995 sparked a long-running dispute between clubs in Divisions 1 and 2 and the RFU. This led to those clubs leaving the NCA and forming EPRUC, which later evolved into the Premiership clubs.

With the NCA’s membership diminished, the RFU encouraged former Division 3 clubs to join forces with the two 4th Divisions and integrate into the NCA, thereby justifying direct RFU representation for all three divisions. This restructuring was agreed for the 1996/97 season.

Over time, the NCA secured seats on the RFU’s Finance and Competitions Committees. In 2002, an agreement between the RFU and NCA formalised recognition of the NCA and ensured that no changes to the league structure could be made without the consent of its member clubs. NCA clubs provided—and continue to provide—the broadest geographical coverage and remain a major source of player development for higher levels of rugby. Their value is further reflected by their representation on RFU bodies such as the Council, Competitions Committee, and Clubs Finance Committee.

Member clubs also play a vital role in their communities. Alongside their first teams, nearly all field additional senior sides, Colts, Minis, and Ladies teams. They maintain close links with local schools and sporting organisations, fostering a deeper understanding of the game and strengthening the NCA’s position within the upper tiers of the rugby landscape.

In July 2021, the RFU approved the association’s name change to National League Rugby, a title we believe better reflects our purpose.

For the 2022/23 season, National League Rugby was restructured to feature 56 teams: National One with 14 teams, and National Two divided into three leagues of 14 clubs each.

These changes, introduced by the RFU in response to feedback from clubs and players, were designed to meet evolving needs, revitalise community rugby, improve player retention, and attract new participants to the adult men’s game.