Hampshire 1

☆ Save On Wikipedia ↗
Counties 3 Hampshire
Current season or competition:
2024–25 Counties 3 Hampshire
SportRugby union
Instituted1987 (1987) (as Hampshire 2)
Number of teams10
Country England
Most titlesIsle Of Wight (3 titles)
Websiteenglandrugby.com

Counties 3 Hampshire (formerly Hampshire 1) is an English level 9 Rugby Union league for teams based in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Up until the 2017–18 season it was known as Hampshire 2 but was changed to Hampshire 1 following the restructuring of the Hampshire leagues, which would see the re-introduction of a third division as well as 2nd and 3rd XV sides joining for the first time. Following the RFU's Adult Competition Review, from season 2022–23 it adopted its current name Counties 3 Hampshire.

Each year some of the clubs in this division also take part in the RFU Junior Vase - a level 9-12 national competition.

Promoted teams move up to Counties 2 Hampshire. Relegated teams drop down to Counties 4 Hampshire.

The points system is as follows.

  • 4 points awarded for a win.
  • 2 points awarded for a draw.
  • 0 points awarded for a loss.
  • 1 "bonus" (+) point awarded for scoring 4 tries (or more).
  • 1 "bonus" (+) point awarded for losing by 7 points (or fewer).

No team can get more than 5 points in a match. Points awarded are the same regardless of the outcome at home or away.

Teams for 2026-27

Departing were Ventnor and Tottonians II both promoted to Counties 2 Hampshire.

Team Ground Capacity City/Area Previous season
Aldershot & FleetAldershot ParkAldershot, Hampshire8th
AltonAntsey ParkAlton, Hampshire6th
Andover IIFoxcotte LaneAndover, HampshireRelegated from Counties 2 Hampshire (11th)
Basingstoke IIDown GrangeBasingstoke, HampshirePromoted from Counties 4 Hampshire (3rd)
Ellingham & Ringwood IIParsonage Barn LaneRingwood, Hampshire9th
FawleyNewlands RoadFawley, HampshirePromoted from Counties 4 Hampshire (champions)
Isle Of WightFootwaysWootton, Isle of Wight4th
Lymington MarinersWoodside ParkLymington, HampshirePromoted from Counties 4 Hampshire (runners-up)
OvertonThe Old Cricket GroundLaverstoke, Hampshire5th
Petersfield IIPenn's PlacePetersfield, HampshireRelegated from Counties 2 Hampshire (12th)
Portsmouth IIThe Rugby CampPortsmouth, Hampshire3rd
Winchester IIINorth Walls ParkWinchester, Hampshire7th

Teams for 2025–26

Departing were Andover II, Romsey and Southampton, all to Counties 2 Hampshire.

Farnham III were initially placed in the league with Overton (9th) having been relegated to Counties 4 Hampshire. However, shortly before the season began Overton were reinstated in the higher league with Farnham III taking their place in Counties 4 Hampshire.

Eastleigh II (7th in 2024-25) began the campaign but subsequently withdrew in November leaving nine clubs to contest the outstanding fixtures.

Team Ground Capacity City/Area Previous season
Aldershot & FleetAldershot ParkAldershot, Hampshire5th
AltonAntsey ParkAlton, HampshirePromoted from Counties 4 Hampshire
Ellingham & Ringwood IIParsonage Barn LaneRingwood, HampshireLevel transfer from Counties 3 Dorset & Wilts South (3rd)
Isle Of WightFootwaysWootton, Isle of WightRelegated from Counties 2 Hampshire (9th)
OvertonThe Old Cricket GroundLaverstoke, Hampshire9th
Portsmouth IIThe Rugby CampPortsmouth, Hampshire6th
Tottonians IIWater LaneTotton, Hampshire4th
VentnorWatcombe BottomVentnor, Isle of Wight8th
Winchester IIINorth Walls ParkWinchester, HampshirePromoted from Counties 4 Hampshire
Locations of the 2025-26 Counties 3 Hampshire teams in Hampshire & Surrey
Locations of the 2025-26 Counties 3 Hampshire teams on the Isle of Wight

Teams for 2024–25

Departing were Havant III, Isle Of Wight and Fareham Heathans, all promoted to Counties 2 Hampshire. Alresford were relegated to Counties 4 Hampshire.

Joining were Tottonians II, relegated from Counties 2 Hampshire and Southampton, promoted from Counties 4A Hampshire.

With four teams departing and two joining the league was reduced from twelve to ten sides.

Christchurch (9th in 2023–24) started but did not finish the season, leaving nine sides to complete the remaining fixtures.

Team Ground Capacity City/Area Previous season
Aldershot & FleetAldershot ParkAldershot, Hampshire5th
Andover IIFoxcotte LaneAndover, Hampshire8th
Eastleigh IIThe HubEastleigh, Hampshire10th
OvertonThe Old Cricket GroundLaverstoke, Hampshire4th
Portsmouth IIThe Rugby CampPortsmouth, Hampshire7th
RomseyRomsey Sports CentreRomsey, Hampshire6th
SouthamptonTest Park Playing FieldsSouthampton, HampshirePromoted from Counties 4A Hampshire
Tottonians IIWater LaneTotton, HampshireRelegated from Counties 2 Hampshire
VentnorWatcombe BottomVentnor, Isle of Wight11th
Locations of the 2024-25 Counties 3 Hampshire teams in Hampshire & Dorset
Locations of the 2024-25 Counties 3 Hampshire teams on the Isle of Wight

Teams for 2023–24

Departing were Guernsey Vikings, Locksheath Pumas and Winchester II, all promoted to Counties 2 Hampshire, whilst Gosport & Fareham II (12th) were relegated to Counties 4 Hampshire.

Joining were Alresford and Eastleigh II, relegated from Counties 2 Hampshire together with Christchurch and Aldershot & Fleet, promoted from Counties 4A Hampshire.

Team Ground Capacity City/Area Previous season
Aldershot & FleetAldershot ParkAldershot, HampshirePromoted from Counties 4 Hampshire (runners-up)
AlresfordAlresford Recreation CentreNew Alresford, HampshireRelegated from Counties 2 Hampshire
Andover IIFoxcotte LaneAndover, Hampshire4th
ChristchurchEast Sports and Social ClubChristchurch, DorsetPromoted from Counties 4 Hampshire (champions)
Eastleigh IIThe HubEastleigh, HampshireRelegated from Counties 2 Hampshire
Fareham HeathensCams Alders Recreation CentreFareham, Hampshire11th
Havant IIIHook's LaneBedhampton, Havant, Hampshire7th
Isle Of WightFootwaysWootton, Isle of Wight6th
OvertonThe Old Cricket GroundLaverstoke, Hampshire5th
Portsmouth IIThe Rugby CampPortsmouth, Hampshire10th
RomseyRomsey Sports CentreRomsey, Hampshire8th
VentnorWatcombe BottomVentnor, Isle of Wight9th
Locations of the 2023-24 Counties 3 Hampshire teams in Hampshire & Dorset
Locations of the 2023-24 Counties 3 Hampshire teams on the Isle of Wight

Teams for 2022–23

This was the first season following the RFU Adult Competition Review[1] with the league adopting its new name of Counties 3 Hampshire.

Departing were Tottonians II and United Services Portsmouth, promoted to Counties 2 Hampshire. Fawley (3rd) did not return for the new season.

Joining were Havant III, Andover II and Winchester II, all promoted from Hampshire 2, together with Locksheath Pumas, relegated from Hampshire Premier, and Guernsey Vikings

Team Ground Capacity City/Area Previous season
Andover IIFoxcotte LaneAndover, HampshirePromoted from Hampshire 2 (runners-up)
Fareham HeathensCams Alders Recreation CentreFareham, Hampshire5th
Gosport & Fareham IIGosport ParkGosport, Hampshire7th
Guernsey VikingsFootes LaneSaint Peter Port, GuernseyNew entry
Havant IIIHook's LaneBedhampton, Havant, HampshirePromoted from Hampshire 2 (champions)
Isle Of WightFootwaysWootton, Isle of Wight6th
Locksheath PumasWide Lane Sports GroundEastleigh, HampshireRelegated from Hampshire Premier
OvertonThe Old Cricket GroundLaverstoke, Hampshire4th
Portsmouth IIThe Rugby CampPortsmouth, Hampshire8th
RomseyRomsey Sports CentreRomsey, Hampshire10th
VentnorWatcombe BottomVentnor, Isle of Wight9th
Winchester IINorth Walls ParkWinchester, HampshirePromoted from Hampshire 2 (3rd)
Locations of the 2022-23 Counties 3 Hampshire teams in Hampshire & the Channel Islands
Locations of the 2022-23 Counties 3 Hampshire teams on the Isle of Wight

Teams for 2021–22

Lockheath Pumas RFC finished 4th in 2019-20, but were promoted to Hampshire Premier for the current season, their place was taken by US Portsmouth who had withdrawn from London 3 South West in season 2019-20.

Farnborough who, were relegated from Hampshire Premier (12th) in 2019-20, fulfilled their early fixtures but subsequently withdrew from the league in November 2021.

The teams competing in 2021-22 achieved their places in the league based on performances in 2019-20, the 'previous season' column in the table below refers to that season not 2020-21.

Team Ground Capacity City/Area Previous season
Fareham HeathensCams Alders Recreation CentreFareham, HampshireRelegated from Hampshire Premier (11th)
FawleyGang Warily Recreation CentreFawley, Hampshire5th
Gosport & Fareham IIGosport ParkGosport, Hampshire10th
Isle Of WightFootwaysWootton, Isle of Wight6th
OvertonThe Old Cricket GroundLaverstoke, Hampshire5th
Portsmouth IIThe Rugby CampPortsmouth, Hampshire7th
RomseyRomsey Sports CentreRomsey, Hampshire11th
Southampton University HospitalsSouthampton University Sports GroundEastleigh, Hampshire3rd
Tottonians IIWater LaneTotton, Hampshire8th
United Services PortsmouthBurnaby Road8,000Portsmouth, HampshireN/A (joined league)
VentnorWatcombe BottomVentnor, Isle of Wight9th
Locations of the 2021-22 Hampshire 1 teams in Hampshire & West Sussex
Locations of the 2021-22 Hampshire 1 teams on the Isle of Wight

Season 2020–21

On 30 October the RFU announced [2] that a decision had been taken to cancel Adult Competitive Leagues (National League 1 and below) for the 2020/21 season meaning Hampshire 1 was not contested.

Teams for 2019–20

Team Ground Capacity City/Area Previous season
Chichester IIOaklands ParkChichester, West SussexTransferred from Sussex 3 (7th)
FawleyGang Warily Recreation CentreFawley, HampshirePromoted from Hampshire 2 (runners up)
Gosport & Fareham IIGosport ParkGosport, HampshireRelegated from Hampshire Premier (12th)
Isle Of WightFootwaysWootton, Isle of Wight6th
Locksheath PumasBrookfield Community SchoolLocks Heath, Fareham, Hampshire4th
OvertonThe Old Cricket GroundLaverstoke, Hampshire5th
Portsmouth IIThe Rugby CampPortsmouth, HampshireRelegated from Hampshire Premier (10th)
RomseyRomsey Sports CentreRomsey, Hampshire7th
SouthamptonTest Park Playing FieldsSouthampton, Hampshire9th
Southampton University HospitalsSouthampton University Sports GroundEastleigh, HampshireN/A (joined league)
Tottonians IIWater LaneTotton, HampshireRelegated from Hampshire Premier (11th)
VentnorWatcombe BottomVentnor, Isle of Wight8th
Locations of the 2019-20 Hampshire 1 teams in Hampshire & West Sussex
Locations of the 2019-20 Hampshire 1 teams on the Isle of Wight

Teams for 2018–19

Team Ground Capacity City/Area Previous season
AltonAntsey ParkAlton, Hampshire6th
Andover IIFoxcotte LaneAndover, HampshireN/A
Ellingham & RingwoodParsonage Barn LaneRingwood, HampshireRelegated from Hampshire 1 (8th)
FarnboroughOak Farm Playing FieldsFarnborough, HampshireChampions (not promoted)[a]
Isle Of WightFootwaysWootton, Isle of WightRelegated from Hampshire 1 (9th)
Locks Heath PumasBrookfield Community SchoolLocks Heath, Fareham, Hampshire3rd
OvertonThe Old Cricket GroundLaverstoke, HampshireRelegated from Hampshire 1 (10th)
RomseyRomsey Sports CentreRomsey, HampshireRunners up (not promoted)[b]
SouthamptonTest Park Playing FieldsSouthampton, Hampshire4th
VentnorWatcombe BottomVentnor, Isle of WightRelegated from Hampshire 1 (11th)
Locations of the 2018-19 Hampshire 1 teams in Hampshire
Locations of the 2018-19 Hampshire 1 teams on the Isle of Wight

Participating clubs 2017–18

Team Ground Capacity City/Area Previous season
Aldershot & FleetAldershot ParkAldershot, Hampshire9th
AltonAntsey ParkAlton, Hampshire3rd
ChinehamFortress ChinehamBasingstoke, HampshireRelegated from Hampshire 1 (11th)
FarnboroughOak Farm Playing FieldsFarnborough, HampshireRelegated from Hampshire 1 (10th)
FawleyGang Warily Recreation CentreFawley, Hampshire4th
Locks Heath PumasBrookfield Community SchoolLocks Heath, Fareham, Hampshire6th
RomseyRomsey Sports CentreRomsey, HampshireRelegated from Hampshire 1 (9th)
Southsea NomadsUniversity of PortsmouthSouthsea, Portsmouth, Hampshire7th
SouthamptonTest Park Playing FieldsSouthampton, Hampshire5th

Participating clubs 2016–17

  • Aldershot & Fleet
  • Alresford
  • Alton
  • Fawley
  • Kingsclere
  • Loxheath Pumas (relegated from Hampshire 1)
  • Lymington Mariners
  • Nomads
  • Overton
  • Southampton

Participating clubs 2015–16

  • Aldershot & Fleet
  • Alresford
  • Alton (relegated from Hampshire 1)
  • Fawley
  • Kingsclere
  • Nomads
  • Overton
  • Romsey (relegated from Hampshire 1)
  • Southampton
  • Ventnor

Participating clubs 2014–15

  • Aldershot & Fleet
  • Alresford
  • Chineham
  • Fawley
  • Locksheath Pumas
  • Kingsclere
  • Overton (relegated from Hampshire 1)
  • Southampton (relegated from Hampshire 1)
  • Southsea Nomads
  • Ventnor

Participating clubs 2013–14

PositionTeamGamesWonDrewLostPoints
1Petersfield18170180
2Fareham Heathens18140470
3Locksheath Pumas18131464
4Ventnor18120660
5Fawley18120653
6Chineham1891849
7Southsea Nomads18701136
8Aldershot & Fleet18401211
9Stoneham1810175
10Alresford182014-3

Petersfield and Fareham Heathens promoted into Hampshire 1 at the end of the season.

Participating clubs 2012–13

  • Alresford
  • Chineham
  • Fareham Heathens
  • Fawley
  • Locksheath Pumas
  • Lymington Mariners
  • Nomads (relegated from Hampshire 1)
  • Overton
  • Solent University
  • Stoneham
  • Ventnor (relegated from Hampshire 1)

Original teams

When league rugby began in 1987 this division (known as Hampshire 2) contained the following teams:

Hampshire 1 honours

Hampshire 2 (1987–1993)

Originally known as Hampshire 2, it was tier 9 league with promotion up to Hampshire 1 and as it was the lowest league level in the region, there was no relegation.

Hampshire 2
Season No of Teams Champions Runners–up Relegated Teams
1987–8810FordingbridgeGuernseyNo relegation
1988–8910PetersfieldAndoverNo relegation
1989–9013Isle Of WightFarnboroughNo relegation
1990–9112TottoniansFareham HeathensNo relegation
1991–9211New Milton & DistrictFarnborough[c]No relegation
1992–9312TrojansRomseyNo relegation
Green backgrounds are promotion places.

Hampshire 2 (1993–1996)

The creation of National 5 South meant that Hampshire 2 dropped from a tier 9 league to a tier 10 league for the years that National 5 South was active. Promotion continued to Hampshire 1, while the introduction of Hampshire 3 ahead of the 1994–95 season meant that there was now relegation.

Hampshire 2
Season No of Teams Champions Runners–up Relegated Teams
1993–9412EssoGuernseyMultiple teams[d]
1994–957AndoverFordingbridgeOverton, AC Delco
1995–967VentnorIsle Of WightFleet
Green backgrounds are promotion places.

Hampshire 2 (1996–2000)

The cancellation of National 5 South at the end of the 1995–96 season meant that Hampshire 2 reverted to being a tier 9 league. Promotion and relegation continued to Hampshire 1 and Hampshire 3 respectively.

Hampshire 2
Season No of Teams Champions Runners–up Relegated Teams
1996–9712OvertonNew Milton & DistrictAlresford
1997–989VentnorTrojansNo relegation
1998–99[3]8RomseyNew Milton & DistrictFordingbridge
1999–00[4]9Sandown & ShanklinHambleStoneham, Chineham
Green backgrounds are promotion places.

Hampshire 2 (2000–2009)

The introduction of London 4 South West ahead of the 2000–01 season meant Hampshire 2 dropped to become a tier 10 league. Promotion and relegation continued to Hampshire 1 and Hampshire 3 respectively.

Hampshire 2
Season No of Teams Champions Runners–up Relegated Teams
2000–01[5]9Fareham HeathensNomadsTeam Solent
2001–02[6]10New Milton & DistrictEastleighOverton, Kingsclere
2002–03[7]9Isle Of WightFawleyEast Dorset, Ventnor
2003–04[8]8AlresfordNomadsKingsclere, Overton
2004–05[9]8Aldershot & FleetEllingham & RingwoodLytchett Minster, Fawley
2005–06[10]9FarnboroughEastleighLocksheath Pumas, Kingsclere, Ventnor
2006–07[11]9East DorsetFordingbridgeAlresford, Fawley
2007–08[12]9EastleighRomseyChineham, Ventnor
2008–09[12]8Aldershot & FleetFareham HeathensNo relegation[e]
Green backgrounds are promotion places.

Hampshire 2 (2009–2018)

Hampshire 2 remained a tier 10 league despite national restructuring by the RFU. Promotion was to Hampshire 1 and there was no relegation due to the cancellation of Hampshire 3 at the end of the 2008–09 season.

Hampshire 2
Season No of Teams Champions Runners–up Relegated Teams
2009–10[13]12Isle Of WightVentnorNo relegation
2010–11[14]9NomadsLytchett MinsterNo relegation
2011–12[15]10SouthamptonAldershot & FleetNo relegation
2012–13[16]11Team SolentOvertonNo relegation
2013–14[17]10PetersfieldFareham HeathensNo relegation
2014–15[18]10Locksheath PumasChinehamNo relegation
2015–16[19]10RomseyVentnorNo relegation
2016–17[20]10AlresfordOvertonNo relegation
2017–18[21]9Farnborough[f]RomseyMultiple teams[g]
Green backgrounds are promotion places.

Hampshire 1 (2018–present)

Restructuring of the Hampshire leagues saw Hampshire 2 renamed as Hampshire 1. It remained a tier 10 league with promotion to Hampshire Premier (formerly Hampshire 1) and relegation returned to the newly introduced Hampshire 2 (formerly Hampshire 3).

Hampshire 1
Season No of Teams Champions Runners–up Relegated Teams
2018–19[22]10AltonEllingham & Ringwood[h]Andover II
2019–20[23]12[i]Chichester IIOvertonSouthampton
2020–2112
Green backgrounds are promotion places.

Number of league titles

See also

Notes

  1. Despite finishing as champions Farnborough were not promoted at the end of the 2017-18 season due to the Hampshire leagues being restructured.
  2. Despite finishing as runners up Romsey were not promoted at the end of the 2017-18 season due to the Hampshire leagues being restructured.
  3. 3rd place Andover also promoted.
  4. The creation of Hampshire 3 for the following season meant that six teams were relegated including Basingstoke Wombats, Ellingham & Ringwood, Nomads, Fleet, Alresford, and Waterlooville.
  5. No relegation as Hampshire 3 would be abolished for the following season with all teams from that division moving up into Hampshire 2.
  6. No teams were promoted this season due to the Hampshire leagues being restructured for the 2018-19 season.
  7. The restructuring of the Hampshire leagues would see the creation of a new Hampshire 2 division into which four teams were relegated into, including Chineham, Southsea Nomads, Aldershot & Fleet, Fawley.
  8. 3rd place Farnborough also promoted.
  9. A number of new teams joined the league including Chichester II and Southampton University Hospitals.

References

  1. "RFU announce new men's community structure". RFU. 13 June 2022.
  2. "RFU Cancels Adult Competitive Leagues for the 2020/21 Season". RFU. 20 October 2020. Retrieved 9 November 2020.
  3. "1998-1999 London South-East Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 1 February 2015.
  4. "1999-2000 London South-East Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 1 February 2015.
  5. "2000-2001 London South-East Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 1 February 2015.
  6. "2001-2002 London South-East Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 1 February 2015.
  7. "2002-2003 London South-East Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 1 February 2015.
  8. "2003-2004 London South-East Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 1 February 2015.
  9. "2004-2005 London South-East Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 1 February 2015.
  10. "2005-2006 London South-East Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 1 February 2015.
  11. "2006-2007 London South-East Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 1 February 2015.
  12. "2007-2008 London South-East Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 1 February 2015.
  13. "2009-2010 London South-East Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 1 February 2015.
  14. "2010-2011 London South-East Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 1 February 2015.
  15. "2011-2012 London South-East Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 1 February 2015.
  16. "2012-2013 London South-East Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 1 February 2015.
  17. "2013-2014 London South-East Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 1 February 2015.
  18. "2014-2015 London South-East Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 3 May 2015.
  19. "2015-2016 London South-East Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 25 April 2016.
  20. "2016-2017 London South-East Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 22 April 2017.
  21. "2017-2018 London South-East Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 21 April 2018.
  22. "2018-2019 London & South-East Division". England Rugby. RFU. Retrieved 13 April 2019.
  23. "Men's London & South East Level 8 and below leagues 2019–20" (PDF). England Rugby. Retrieved 25 April 2020.