The 1988–89 Courage League National Division Two was the second full season of rugby union within the second tier of the English league system, currently known as the RFU Championship . Each team played one match against each of the other teams in the league, playing a total of eleven matches. For the first time matches were played on fixed Saturdays. Joining the ten teams that remained in the division were Coventry and Sale who finished 11th and 12th respectively in last seasons Courage League Division One .[ 2]
Saracens, the champions, were promoted to the Courage League National Division One for season 1989–90 along with the runners–up Bedford. Bottom team London Welsh and London Scottish who finished 11th were relegated to Courage League National Division Three for season 1989–90 . They were replaced by Plymouth Albion and Rugby .[ 3]
Participating teams
Locations of the 1988–89 Courage League National Division Two teams
Greater London Courage League National Division Two clubs
Team
Stadium
Capacity
City/Area
Bedford
Goldington Road
7,000
Bedford , Bedfordshire
Blackheath
Rectory Field
6,000
Greenwich , London
Coventry
Coundon Road
9,000
Coventry , West Midlands
Gosforth
North Road
Newcastle upon Tyne , Tyne and Wear
Headingley
Bridge Road
Leeds , West Yorkshire
London Irish
The Avenue
6,600
Sunbury-on-Thames , Surrey
London Scottish
Athletic Ground
4,500
Richmond , London
London Welsh
Old Deer Park
5,850
Richmond , London
Northampton Saints
Franklin's Gardens
10,000
Northampton , Northamptonshire
Richmond
Athletic Ground
4,500
Richmond , London
Sale
Heywood Road
5,400
Sale , Greater Manchester
Saracens
Bramley Road
2,000[ 4]
Enfield , London
Table
Source:
[ 5] Rules for classification: Points are awarded as follows:
2 pts for a win
1 pt for a draw
0 pts for a loss(C) Champions
National Division Two is part of the Courage Clubs Championship and is sponsored by Courage Brewery
See also
References
2024–25 teams Former clubs Seasons
Representative team
Governing body National teams
International competitions
Competition divisions
European competitions National competitions London and South East competitions Midland competitions Northern competitions South West competitions County competitions Discontinued competitions Related articles Other