1988–89 Courage League National Division Two


The 1988–89 Courage League National Division Two was the second full season of rugby union within the second tier of the English league system, currently known as the RFU Championship. Each team played one match against each of the other teams in the league, playing a total of eleven matches. For the first time matches were played on fixed Saturdays. Joining the ten teams that remained in the division were Coventry and Sale who finished 11th and 12th respectively in last seasons Courage League Division One.
Saracens, the champions, were promoted to the Courage League National Division One for season 1989–90 along with the runners–up Bedford. Bottom team London Welsh and London Scottish who finished 11th were relegated to Courage League National Division Three for season 1989–90. They were replaced by Plymouth Albion and Rugby.

Participating teams

TeamStadiumCapacityCity/Area
BedfordGoldington Road7,000Bedford, Bedfordshire
BlackheathRectory Field6,000Greenwich, London
CoventryCoundon Road9,000+Coventry, West Midlands
GosforthNorth RoadNewcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear
HeadingleyBridge RoadLeeds, West Yorkshire
London IrishThe Avenue6,600Sunbury-on-Thames, Surrey
London ScottishAthletic Ground4,500Richmond, London
London WelshOld Deer Park5,850Richmond, London
Northampton SaintsFranklin's Gardens10,000Northampton, Northamptonshire
RichmondAthletic Ground4,500Richmond, London
SaleHeywood Road5,400Sale, Greater Manchester
SaracensBramley Road2,000Enfield, London

Table

Sponsorship

National Division Two is part of the Courage Clubs Championship and is sponsored by Courage Brewery