The RFU has confirmed a reorganisation of the league structure for the 2026/27 season. A vote was passed to allow lower XV teams to enter the RFU league structure. This change was primarily aimed at supporting the small number of clubs that previously competed in Durham and Northumberland Division Three.

For the proposal to fail, two thirds of Durham clubs needed to vote against it. That threshold was not met and, as a result, lower teams have now been permitted to enter the league system. This has led to an increase in the number of teams across the RFU league structure.

Rovers’ 1st XV will remain at the same level as last season, level 8. However, due to the increased number of teams at this level, the league has been split into North and South divisions and renamed North East Counties 2. Rovers will compete in North East Counties 2 South for the 2026/27 season.
The teams in North East Counties 2 South are:
Acklam 
Billingham 2nds 
Stockton 2nds 
Darlington MP 2nds 
Rovers 
Middlesbrough 2nds 
Peterlee & Horden 2nds 
Redcar 
Sedgefield 
Sunderland 2nds 
West Hartlepool 2nds 
Yarm

On the positive side, travel will be considerably reduced. There are several familiar teams from the past couple of seasons, and it will also be good to renew acquaintances with Acklam. However, seven of the teams in the league are second teams, which highlights the drop-off Rovers have experienced over recent seasons.

Despite this, the players and coaches are more determined than ever to progress from this new league structure and challenge for a return to level 7. There will be a players’ meeting this evening at the club at 6:30pm, where the new coaching and leadership structure will be outlined along with some exciting plans for pre-season. All current players, as well as anyone interested in joining Rovers this season, are encouraged to attend and see what the club has to offer.

With so many second teams now entering the RFU leagues, The Heughers will need to wait to see how their CANDy League will be structured. There are still plenty of teams remaining in the CANDy League, and a full and competitive league and fixture list will be published as soon as the organising committee is able to do so.