Country France Number of teams 14 Promotion to Elite Two Championship | Founded 1949 Level on pyramid 3 Relegation to National Division 2 | |
The National Division 1 is the third tier of rugby league in France, below the Elite Two Championship and above the National Division 2. The season runs from September to April. From season 2012/13 the league was split into regions East and West, 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. 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.
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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.