| This article needs to be updated. Please help update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information. (November 2023) |
French third tier rugby league championship
Football league
The National Division 1 is the third tier of rugby league in France, below the Elite 2 Championship and above the National Division 2. The season runs from September to April.[1]
The winner can be promoted to Elite Two subject to having adequate finances and facilities. Occasionally if the winners aren't able to be promoted, or opt out, then the team finishing second could be promoted.
History
The league was first played for in 1949-50 under the title 2nd Division. The 2nd Division was played for until 1966 when the competition, after a league restructure, was ended. Brought back in 1976 under the title National 2 representing clubs at the 3rd tier. In 2008 the competition was rebranded and called National Division 1. For the start of season 2012–13 the league was split into East and West regional divisions where each team plays each other in their regional league home and away with the top sides then meeting in a series of play-off matches resulting in a Grand Final.
In 2023, the Federal and National Division merged in a restructuring of the French rugby league system. For the 2023–24 season there were four national divisions grouped in pairs: National Division 1 & 2 and National Division 3 & 4. In the first part of the season teams were divided into regional pools from which they qualified for the finals stage.[2][3] In the 2024–25 season, the league was altered again to have a single National Division 1 and, following the withdrawal of several clubs, a National Division 2/3.[4]
Teams
Teams for the 2024–25 season: [4][5]
Past winners
See also
References
External links