The twelve teams play home and away matches from September through to April, making a total of twenty-two matches each. The results of the matches contribute points to the league as follows:
4 points are awarded for a win.
2 points are awarded for a draw.
0 points are awarded for a loss.
In addition:
1 losing (bonus) point is awarded to a team that loses a match by 7 points or fewer
1 additional (bonus) point is awarded to a team scoring 4 tries or more in a match
There is one automatic promotion place and two relegation places. The first-placed team at the end of season wins promotion to either Regional 2 South East or Regional 2 Thames. The last three placed clubs are usually relegated to either Counties 2 Surrey or Counties 2 Sussex depending on location.
Locations of the 2024-25 Counties 1 Surrey/Sussex teams in Surrey, East Sussex & West Sussex
Teams for 2023–24
Leaving the league were Chobham promoted to Regional 2 Thames.[12] Warlingham were relegated to Counties 2 Surrey for what were reported as "...administrative, rather than playing, reasons...".[13]
Locations of the 2023-24 Counties 1 Surrey/Sussex teams in Surrey & East Sussex
Teams for 2022–23
This was the first season following the RFU Adult Competition Review. The league was substantially similar to London 2 South West but was smaller (12 teams reduced to 10) with Counties 1 Hampshire taking teams that historically would have played in London 2 South West.
This prompted a substantial reordering of the leagues with two teams, Kingston and Trinity,[17] effectively achieving a 'double' promotion from level 9 (Surrey 1) to level 7 of the RFU rugby pyramid. Warlingham,[18] Weybridge Vandals [19] and Old Walcountians [20] were all promoted from the upper end of London 3 South West whilst, rather less predictably, Old Cranleighans also came up from the same league despite having finished at the foot of it.
