Thu 19 Feb 2026 09:47

We would like to remind all clubs participating in the adm Lancashire & Cheshire Leagues of the promotion and relegation determining criteria, as communicated in the RFU Pre-Season Briefing Document 2025-26 sent to all clubs at the start of the season. 

 
Nationally, the 19 Counties 1 (Level 7) League winners will all be promoted, along with the five best runners-up from across the country decided by Best Playing Record (BPR). A detailed illustration of the National standings (as they were on 14th February) can be found on this link https://rfulondon.com/forms/promote.pdf

It is entirely possible that the exact number of clubs relegated from a Counties 1 league will not be known until the last day of the season. Based on the current league tables, this is the likely scenario we expect:

  • 2 teams relegated from Regional 2 North West (Level 6) down to adm Counties 1 (Level 7).
  • 1 team promoted from adm Counties 1 up to Regional 2 North West.
  • 3 teams relegated from adm Counties 1 down to adm Counties 2 (Level 8).
  • 2 teams promoted from adm Counties 2 up to adm Counties 1.
  • 3 teams relegated from adm Counties 2 down to adm Counties 3 (Level 9).
  • 2 teams promoted from adm Counties 3 up to adm Counties 2. 

news articles

  • WELCOME MR. PRESIDENT

    Thu 11 Jun 2026 16:35

    At last night’s Lancashire County RFU Annual General Meeting, retiring President Mr Ian Spivey handed over the Presidential reins to Mr Robbie Jones.  Robbie Jones was nominated by Past President of Lancashire, Ken Andrews, who took pleasure in delivering a citation to the meeting …

  • WOMEN'S COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP REVIEW

    Mon 08 Jun 2026 12:02

    The RFU are reviewing the Gill Burns Women’s County Championship competition and would really value the input of club players, coaches, volunteers and administrators. Your feedback will help shape the future of the competition, including: • The purpose of the Women’s County Championship • …

  • 2025/26 AGMs

    Mon 08 Jun 2026 11:12

    Club representatives are invited to attend the Lancashire County RFU Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 10th June 2026, starting 7pm at Tyldesley RUFC, where there will be an opportunity to hear reports on the 2025/26 season and ask questions about the upcoming community rugby season, RFU rule …

  • TAKE YOUR SEAT FOR THE COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL

    Sat 06 Jun 2026 01:21

    SATURDAY 6TH JUNE 2026 AT THE ALLIANZ STADIUM, TWICKENHAM.  BILL BEAUMONT MEN'S COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP DIVISION 1 FINAL. KO 5PM. LANCASHIRE V CORNWALL FREE ADMISSION With Lancashire beating Yorkshire over two legs with an aggregate score of 58-40 and Cornwall …

  • GMS: GET READY FOR RUGBY

    Wed 03 Jun 2026 14:58

    The new community rugby season is set to run from Saturday 5 September 2026, to Monday 17 May 2027 and RFU player registration (adults and age-grade) for the new season opens on 1st July 2026. All players participating in contact rugby, both new and existing, adult and age-grade, must self- …