Regional 1 South Central is a level five league in the English rugby union system, with the twelve teams drawn from across southern and South East England. The other level five leagues are Regional 1 Midlands, Regional 1 North West, Regional 1 North East, Regional 1 South East and Regional 1 South West.
London Welsh are the champions and are promoted to National League 2 East
Format
The twelve teams in this league are drawn from across southern England, with the league champions promoted to National 2 East. The league's bottom two teams are relegated to either Regional 2 Thames or Regional 2 South Central depending on their geographic location. 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 table as follows:
- 4 points are awarded for a win
- 2 points are awarded for a draw
- 0 points are awarded for a loss, however
- 1 losing (bonus) point is awarded to a team that loses a match by 7 points or fewer
- 1 additional (bonus) point is awarded to a team scoring 4 tries or more in a match
2024–25 season
Leaving the league are Havant who were promoted as champions the previous season, replaced by Wimbledon who were relegated from National League 2 East. Also departing are Bournemouth who were relegated to Regional 2 South Central. Ordinarily Horsham would have dropped to Regional 2 South East but due to obtaining the highest amount of points across those finishing in a relegation place (11th) they earned a reprieve as the demise of Jersey Reds meant there was a corresponding adjustment across multiple leagues.A Promoted into the league are Jersey and Old Alleynians who were promoted as champions of Regional 2 South Central and Regional 2 South East respectively. Marlborough RFC transferred across to Regional 1 South West.
Participating teams and locations
2023–24 season
Teams leaving the league are the champions Wimbledon, promoted to National League 2 East, while two teams are relegated - RWB (11th position) and Sutton & Epsom (12th) to Regional 2 South Central and Regional 2 Thames respectively. Three teams are promoted from Regional 2 leagues; Hammersmith & Fulham, Horsham and Marlborough from Regional 2 Thames, Regional 2 South East and Regional 2 South Central respectively. CS Rugby 1863 and Tunbridge Wells are both transferred from Regional 1 South East. The remaining seven teams played in this league last season.
Participating teams and locations
League table
Results
2022–23
This was the first season following the RFU Adult Competition Review. The new league was made up of teams from both the London & SE and South West divisions.
Participating teams and locations
League table
Results
Regional 1 South Central honours
- ^A Owing to the demise of Jersey Reds there was one less relegation place from the level five leagues. Of the six, 11th place teams, Horsham had the highest amount of points and escaped relegation.
References
