Sport Rugby union Country England
Guernsey | Number of teams 14 | |
 | ||
Instituted 1987; 30 years ago (1987) Holders London Irish Wild Geese (1st title) (2015–16)
(promoted to National League 2 South)) Most titles Basingstoke, Canterbury, Havant (2 titles) | ||
National League 3 London & SE (up until 2009 known as London 1) is a level five league in the English rugby union system. It is one of four leagues at this level, with its counterparts; National League 3 South West, National League 3 Midlands and National League 3 North. The format of the league was changed at the beginning of the 2009–10 season following re-organisation by the Rugby Football Union. National League 3 London & SE is the highest regional rugby union league covering London and south east England. The club that finishes in first place is automatically promoted to National League 2 South. The runner-up meets the second placed team of National League 3 South West with the winner also gaining promotion. Relegated teams drop down to either London 1 North or London 1 South depending on location, and other factors such as the location of relegated and promoted teams in other divisions.
Contents
London Irish Wild Geese are the current champions and have been promoted to National 2 South.
2016–17
Nine of the fourteen teams participated in last season's competition. They are joined by Dorking and Southend Saxons who were relegated from National 2 South while three promoted teams, Amersham & Chiltern, Guildford and Sutton & Epsom were promoted into the league. London Irish Wild Geese were promoted to National League 2 South as champions while Eton Manor and Gravesend were relegated to London 1 North and London 1 South respectively. Originally, Westcliff were supposed to go down as the 14th placed team but they were granted a reprieve when East Grinstead (who had finished 3rd) decided to take voluntary relegation due to the loss of a key sponsor and would drop five leagues down to Sussex Spitfire 1. Finally Bracknell were level transferred back to National League 3 South West after just one season to address an imbalance in terms after having finished 11th.
Current results see:- London & South East 3 results
Final league table
Following the resignation of the chief sponsor of East Grinstead, the club has decided to drop five leagues; therefore Westcliff may be reprieved from relegation.
Promotion play-off
Each season, the runners-up in the National League 3 London and SE, and National League 3 South West participate in a play-off for promotion to National League 2 South. The team with the best playing record, in this case Tonbridge Juddian, host the match and their opponents are Barnstaple. Juddians lost the match 31 – 30 to a penalty in the last minute of the match and will stay in National 3 London and SE for next season.
Promotion play-off
Each season, the runners-up in the National League 3 London and SE, and National League 3 South West participate in a play-off for promotion to National League 2 South. The team with the best playing record, in this case Exmouth, hosts the match; their opponents were Barnes and the match was played on 25 April 2015. At the end of full-time the match score was 22 – 22, and Barnes scored the only points in extra-time, to win the match 27– 22.
After extra time (80 mins: 22 – 22)