A flattening of the pyramid (increasing the number of leagues at each level, as below) will help meet the needs of players by reducing travel for matches, helping club sustainability by reducing travel costs. The geographical grouping meanwhile will bring back, and in some cases introduce more, local derbies, which will attract more attention to games.

All leagues have been grouped geographically. Whilst there will still be some outliers, overall there will be reduced travel time and distances across the whole structure.

The 2022/23 season will also deliver a shortened league season, addressing concerns shared by players around the intensity of the current league structure. Regional 1 (formerly Level 5) and below will see the introduction of a new National cup competition at the end of the season with optional entry to the different tiers dependent on closing league position. This format is designed to remove the conflict of league and cup fixtures within the season, to maintain a variety of competition offering and to provide an exciting finale to the community rugby season, with finals days at leading rugby venues.

PRESEASON starts 21st June. If you’re keen to get involved visit us at https://linktr.ee/wimbledonrfc