English Rugby Union League
Counties 3 Midlands East (South) Sport Rugby union Instituted 2006; 18 years ago (2006 ) (as Midlands 5 East (South)) Number of teams 11 Country England Most titles St Neots (2 titles) Website England RFU
Counties 3 Midlands East (South) / (Central) (formerly Midlands 4 East (South) area level 9 English Rugby Union leagues and level 4 of the Midlands League , made up of teams from the southern part of the East Midlands region including clubs from Bedfordshire , Leicestershire , Northamptonshire , Lincolnshire and occasionally Cambridgeshire , all of whom play home and away matches throughout the season. Each year some of the clubs in this division also take part in the RFU Junior Vase - a level 9-12 national competition.
Formed for the 2006-07 season, the division was originally known as Midlands 5 East (South) but changed to its present name for the 2008-09 season due to league restructuring. Further restructuring of the Midlands leagues ahead of the 2009–10 season, saw it changed to Midlands 4 East (South) and post the RFU's Adult Competition Review, from season 2022-23 it adopted its current name. From 2023-24 the league was split into South and Central divisions.
Promoted teams move up to Counties 2 Midlands East (South) and since Midlands 5 East (South) was abolished there has been no relegation.
2024-25
Central
Joining were Bingham, Castle Donnington, Ilkeston II, Leesbrook, Nottingham Moderns II and Spalding II.
Departing were Keyworth, promoted to Counties 2 Midlands East (South) together with Asbourne II, North Hykeham, Paviors II , Rolls-Royce and Sleaford who all returned to the Counties 3 Midlands East (North) East and West divisions.
Team
Ground
Capacity
City/Area
Previous season
Bingham
The Pavilion
Bingham , Nottinghamshire
Re-entry
Castle Donnington
Spital Park Pavilion
Donnington , Derbyshire
Level transfer from Counties 3 Midlands East (South) (4th)
Ilkeston II
The Stute
Ilkeston , Derbyshire
New entry
Leesbrook
Asterdale Sports Centre
Spondon , Derby , Derbyshire
Re-entry
Long Eaton II
West Park
1,000
Long Eaton , Derbyshire
6th
Melbourne II
Cockshut Lane
2,000
Melbourne , Derbyshire
4th
Mellish II
War Memorial Ground
Arnold , Nottingham , Nottinghamshire
12th
Nottinghamians
Adbolton Lane
Holme Pierrepont , Nottinghamshire
11th
Nottingham Moderns II
Ferryfields
Wilford , Nottingham , Nottinghamshire
New entry
Southwell II
Pentelowes
Southwell, Nottinghamshire
9th
Spalding II
Memorial Field
Spalding , Lincolnshire
New entry
West Bridgford II
The Memorial Ground
West Bridgford , Nottinghamshire
2nd
Locations of the 2024-25 Counties 3 Midlands East (Central) teams in Derbyshire and Lincolnshire
Locations of the 2024-25 Counties 3 Midlands East (Central) teams in Nottinghamshire
South
Departing were Northampton BBOB and Rugby St Andrews, both promoted to Counties 2 Midlands East (South) . Castle Donnington left on a level transfer to Counties 3 Midlands East (Central).
Joining were Aylestone Athletic, Bedford Queens, Leighton Buzzard and Luton
Team
Ground
Capacity
City/Area
Previous season
Aylestone Athletic
Victoria Road
Leicester , Leicestershire
Re-entry
Bedford Queens
Putnoe Woods
500
Bedford , Bedfordshire
Relegated from Counties 2 Midlands East (South)
Deepings
Spalding Road
Deeping St James , Lincolnshire
10th
Leighton Buzzard
Wright's Meadow
Leighton Buzzard , Buckinghamshire
Re-entry
Luton
Newlands Road
Luton , Bedfordshire
Relegated from Counties 2 Midlands East (South)
Northampton Men's Own
Stoke Road
Ashton , Northamptonshire
5th
Rugby Lions
Webb Ellis Road
Rugby , Warwickshire
7th
Rugby Welsh
Alwyn Road
Rugby , Warwickshire
3rd
Sileby
Platts Lane
Cossington, Leicestershire
6th
South Leicester
Welford Road Ground
Leicester , Leicestershire
9th
Stamford College Old Boys
Stamford Welland Academy
Stamford, Lincolnshire
8th
Locations of the 2024-25 Counties 3 Midlands East (South) teams
2023-24
Ahead of the new season a new Central division was introduced.
Central
This newly created league was formed in the majority of sides on a level transfer from Counties 3 Midlands East (North) East and West divisions plus the addition of Melllish 2XV.
Team
Ground
Capacity
City/Area
Previous season
Ashbourne II
Recreation Ground
Ashbourne , Derbyshire
Level transfer from Counties 3 Midlands East (North) West (10th)
Keyworth
Willoughby Road
Widmerpool , Nottinghamshire
Level transfer from Counties 3 Midlands East (North) West (2nd)
Long Eaton II
West Park
1,000
Long Eaton , Derbyshire
Level transfer from Counties 3 Midlands East (North) West (11th)
Melbourne II
Cockshut Lane
2,000
Melbourne , Derbyshire
Level transfer from Counties 3 Midlands East (North) West (5th)
Mellish II
War Memorial Ground
Arnold , Nottingham , Nottinghamshire
New entry
North Hykeham
Ruston Sports and Bar
North Hykeham , Lincolnshire
Level transfer from Counties 3 Midlands East (North) East (5th)
Nottinghamians
Adbolton Lane
Holme Pierrepont , Nottinghamshire
Level transfer from Counties 3 Midlands East (North) East (8th)
Paviors II
The Ron Rossin Ground
Nottingham , Nottinghamshire
Level transfer from Counties 3 Midlands East (North) East (7th)
Rolls-Royce
Moor Lane
Derby , Derbyshire
Level transfer from Counties 3 Midlands East (North) West (8th)
Sleaford
David Williams Pavilion
Sleaford , Lincolnshire
Level transfer from Counties 3 Midlands East (North) East (6th)
Southwell II
Pentelowes
Southwell, Nottinghamshire
Level transfer from Counties 3 Midlands East (North) East (4th)
West Bridgford II
The Memorial Ground
West Bridgford , Nottinghamshire
Level transfer from Counties 3 Midlands East (North) West (7th)
Locations of the 2023-24 Counties 3 Midlands East (Central) teams
South
Departing were Bedford Swifts and Brackley, both promoted to Counties 2 Midlands East (South) . Thorley (7th) were relegated into the Cambridgeshire reserve leagues.
Joining were Castle Donnington, Northampton BBOB, Northampton Men's Own, Rugby St Andrews, Rugby Welsh and Sielby.
Team
Ground
Capacity
City/Area
Previous season
Castle Donnington
Spital Park Pavilion
Donnington , Derbyshire
Re-entry
Deepings
Spalding Road
Deeping St James , Lincolnshire
6th
Northampton BBOB
Saint Andrew's Road
Northampton , Northamptonshire
Relegated from Counties 2 Midlands East (South)
Northampton Men's Own
Stoke Road
Ashton , Northamptonshire
Relegated from Counties 2 Midlands East (South)
Rugby Lions
Webb Ellis Road
Rugby , Warwickshire
3rd
Rugby St Andrews
Ashlawn Road
Rugby , Warwickshire
Relegated from Counties 2 Midlands West (East) (10th)
Rugby Welsh
Alwyn Road
Rugby , Warwickshire
Level transfer from Counties 3 Midlands West (South) (6th)
Sileby
Platts Lane
Cossington, Leicestershire
Relegated from Counties 2 Midlands East (South)
South Leicester
Welford Road Ground
Leicester , Leicestershire
4th
Stamford College Old Boys
Stamford Welland Academy
Stamford, Lincolnshire
5th
Locations of the 2023-24 Counties 3 Midlands East (South) teams
2022-23
Departing were Biggleswade , St Neots and Northampton BBOB, all promoted to Counties 2 Midlands East (South) .
Joining were Rugby Lions.
Locations of the 2022-23 Counties 3 Midlands East (South) teams
2021-22
Participating teams & locations
Kempston, who finished 11th in 2019-20, and Wellingborough Old Grammarians, who finished 12th in 2019-20, did not return for the current season.
Joining the league are South Leicester who withdrew from Midlands Premier in season 2019-20.
Aylestone St James withdrew from the league midway through the season leaving it with nine teams.
Team
Ground
Capacity
City/Area
Previous season
Aylestone St James
Covert Lane
Scraptoft , Leicester , Leicestershire
8th
Bedford Swifts
International Athletics Stadium
Bedford , Bedfordshire
3rd
Biggleswade
Langford Road
Biggleswade , Bedfordshire
5th
Brackley
Nightingale Close
Brackley , Northamptonshire
6th
Deepings
Spalding Road
Deeping St James , Lincolnshire
7th
Northampton BBOB
Saint Andrew's Road
Northampton , Northamptonshire
Relegated from Midlands 3 East (South) (11th)
South Leicester
Welford Road Ground
Leicester , Leicestershire
New entry
Stamford College Old Boys
Stamford Welland Academy
Stamford, Lincolnshire
4th
St Neots
The Common
St Neots , Cambridgeshire
Relegated from Midlands 3 East (South) (12th)
Thorney
Ron Jacobs Playing Fields
Thorney , Cambridgeshire
9th
Locations of the 2021–22 Midlands 4 East (South) teams
2020–21
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic , the 2020–21 season was cancelled.
2019–20
Participating teams & locations
Team
Ground
Capacity
City/Area
Previous season
Aylestone St James
Covert Lane
Scraptoft , Leicester , Leicestershire
6th
Bedford Swifts
International Athletics Stadium
Bedford , Bedfordshire
5th
Biggleswade
Langford Road
Biggleswade , Bedfordshire
Relegated from Midlands 3 ES (12th)
Birstall
Co-Op Sports Ground
Birstall , Leicestershire
Relegated from Midlands 3 ES (11th)
Brackley
Nightingale Close
Brackley , Northamptonshire
4th
Deepings
Spalding Road
Deeping St James , Lincolnshire
7th
Kempston
Cutler Hammer
Kempston , Bedfordshire
11th
Northampton Men's Own
Stoke Road
Ashton , Northamptonshire
3rd
Stamford College Old Boys
Stamford Welland Academy
Stamford, Lincolnshire
9th
Thorney
Ron Jacobs Playing Fields
Thorney , Cambridgeshire
10th
Wellingborough Old Grammarians
The Memorial Sports Ground
Wellingborough , Northamptonshire
8th
Locations of the 2019–20 Midlands 4 East (South) teams
2018–19
Participating teams & locations
Team
Ground
Capacity
City/Area
Previous season
Aylestone St James
Covert Lane
Scraptoft , Leicester , Leicestershire
7th
Bedford Swifts
International Athletics Stadium
Bedford , Bedfordshire
3rd
Brackley
Nightingale Close
Brackley , Northamptonshire
6th
Deepings
Spalding Road
Deeping St James , Lincolnshire
5th
Kempston
Cutler Hammer
Kempston , Bedfordshire
Promoted from East Midlands Merit League (champions)
Northampton BBOB
Saint Andrew's Road
Northampton , Northamptonshire
Relegated from Midlands 3 East (South) (12th)
Northampton Men's Own
Stoke Road
Ashton , Northamptonshire
Relegated from Midlands 3 East (South) (11th)
Sileby Town
Platts Lane
Cossington , Leicestershire
Relegated from Midlands 3 East (North) (12th)
Stamford College Old Boys
Stamford Welland Academy
Stamford, Lincolnshire
9th
Thorney
Ron Jacobs Playing Fields
Thorney , Cambridgeshire
8th
Wellingborough Old Grammarians
The Memorial Sports Ground
Wellingborough , Northamptonshire
4th
Locations of the 2018–19 Midlands 4 East (South) teams
2017–18
Participating teams & locations
Team
Ground
Capacity
City/Area
Previous season
Aylestone St James
Covert Lane
Scraptoft , Leicester , Leicestershire
Relegated from Midlands 3 East (South) (12th)
Bedford Swifts
International Athletics Stadium
Bedford , Bedfordshire
9th
Bourne
Milking Nook Drove
Bourne , Lincolnshire
5th
Brackley
Nightingale Close
Brackley , Northamptonshire
6th
Deepings
Spalding Road
Deeping St James , Lincolnshire
3rd
St Neots
The Common
St Neots , Cambridgeshire
Relegated from Midlands 3 East (South) (11th)
Stamford College Old Boys
Stamford Welland Academy
Stamford, Lincolnshire
4th
Thorney
Ron Jacobs Playing Fields
Thorney , Cambridgeshire
7th
Wellingborough Old Grammarians
The Memorial Sports Ground
Wellingborough , Northamptonshire
8th
Locations of the 2017–18 Midlands 4 East (South) teams
Teams 2016-17
Bedford Queens
Bedford Swifts
Bourne
Brackley
Deepings
Old Newtonians
Sileby Town
Stamford College Old Boys
Thorney
Wellingborough Old Grammarians
Teams 2015-16
Teams 2014-15
Teams 2013-14
Teams 2012–13
Teams 2008–09
Ashfield
Bedford Swifts
Brackley
Bugbrooke
Daventry
Deepings
Long Buckby
Market Harborough
Northampton Casuals
Northampton Men's Own
Peterborough Lions
Rugby St Andrews
Vauxhall Motors
Original teams
When this division was introduced in 2006 as Midlands 5 East (South), it contained the following teams:
Midlands 4 East (South) honours
Midlands 5 West (North) (2006–2009)
League restructuring ahead of the 2006–07 season saw the introduction of Midlands 5 East (South) and its counterpart Midlands 5 East (North) at tier 9 to replace the discontinued East Midlands/South Leicestershire 1 and Notts, Lincs, Derbyshire/North Leicestershire leagues. Promotion was to Midlands 4 East (South) and relegation to Midlands 6 East (South) .
Midlands 4 East (South) (2009–present)
Further league restructuring by the RFU meant that Midlands 5 East (North) and Midlands 5 East (South) were renamed as Midlands 4 East (North) and Midlands 4 East (South), with both leagues remaining at tier 9. Promotion was now to Midlands 3 East (South) (formerly Midlands 4 East (South)) and relegation to Midlands 5 East (South) (formerly Midlands 6 East (South)) until that league was discontinued at the end of the 2009–10 season.
Number of league titles
Notes
See also
References
English RFU (2008). "Rugby First" . RFU. Archived from the original on 28 April 2009. Retrieved 21 July 2008 .
Rugby First: To view previous seasons in the league, search for any club within that league then click on to club details followed by fixtures and then select the appropriate season.
Governing body National teams
International competitions
Competition divisions
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