Counties 4 Somerset South (formerly known as Somerset 2 South or Tribute Somerset 2 South for sponsorship reasons) is an English rugby union league which sits at the tenth level of league rugby union in England alongside its counterpart Somerset 2 North. When the division was founded in 1987 it was a single league known as Somerset 2, but since 2006 it has been split into two regional divisions.
1st, 2nd and even 3rd XV sides can participate in the division as long as they are not from the same club. The league champions are promoted to Counties 3 Somerset South while relegated teams used to drop to Somerset 3 South but since the RFU Adult Competition Review they instead now join county merit leagues.
Teams 2024–25
Departing were Wyvern (champions), promoted to Counties 3 Somerset South. Wells II (5th) and Yatton II (7th) did not return for the new season.
Joining were Bridgwater & Albion III, Burnham-on-Sea II and Wiveliscombe II.
Teams 2023–24
Departing were Burnham-on-Sea II, Cheddar Valley and Crewkerne, promoted to Counties 3 Somerset South. Wincanton (9th) were relegated.
Joining were Hornets IV, Morganians, Wells II, Wyvern and Yeovil II.
Teams 2022–23
This was the first season following the RFU Adult Competition Review.
Departing were Chard, Wiveliscombe II, Somerton, Wells II and Castle Cary (1st - 5th in that order) all promoted to Counties 3 Somerset South. Yeovil II (6th), Winscombe II (7th) and Wyvern (10th) did not return for the new season.
Teams 2021–22
2020–21
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020–21 season was cancelled.
Teams 2019–20
Original teams
When league rugby began in 1987 this league (known as Somerset 2) was a single division containing the following teams from Somerset and parts of Bristol:
- Avon
- Bath Old Edwardians
- Blagdon
- Bristol Harlequins
- Chard
- Cheddar Valley
- Imperial
- St. Bernadette's Old Boys
- Stothert & Pitt
- Wells
- Winscombe
Somerset 2 honours
Somerset 2 (1987–1993)
The original Somerset 2 was a tier 10 league with promotion to Somerset 1 and relegation to Somerset 3.
Somerset 2 (1993–1996)
The creation of National League 5 South for the 1993–94 season meant that Somerset 2 dropped to become a tier 11 league. Promotion continued to Somerset 1 and relegation to Somerset 3.
Somerset 2 (1996–2000)
The cancellation of National League 5 South at the end of the 1995–96 season meant that Somerset 2 reverted to being a tier 10 league. Promotion continued to Somerset 1 and relegation to Somerset 3.
Somerset 2 (2000–2006)
Somerset 2 remained as a tier 10 league. Promotion continued to Somerset 1, while the cancellation of Somerset 3 at the end of the 1999–00 season meant there was no longer relegation.
Somerset 2 South (2006–2009)
At the start of the 2006–07 Somerset 2 was split into two regional divisions - Somerset 2 North and Somerset 2 South - both remaining at tier 10 of the league system. This restructuring was to enable 2nd XV and 3rd XV sides to play in the Somerset leagues for the first time and would make up most of the teams. Promotion continued to Somerset 1 while relegation was now to Somerset 3 South. From the 2007–08 season onward the league sponsor would be Tribute.
Somerset 2 South (2009–present)
Despite widespread restructuring by the RFU at the end of the 2008–09 season, Somerset 2 South and its counterpart Somerset 2 South remained as tier 10 league. Promotion continued to Somerset 1, while relegation was to Somerset 3 South. The league continued to be sponsored by Tribute.
Number of league titles
Notes
See also
- South West Division RFU
- Somerset RFU
- Somerset Premier
- Somerset 1
- Somerset 2 North
- Somerset 3 North
- Somerset 3 South
- English rugby union system
- Rugby union in England
References
