Scottish Regional League (rugby union)
The Scottish Regional League is a level of amateur rugby union competition in Scotland. It sits below the national leagues administered by Scottish Rugby, such as the Tennent's Premiership and National Leagues. The Regional Leagues are primarily organised and administered by the regional rugby bodies within Scotland.
The structure and number of divisions within the Scottish Regional League system can vary from region to region and may be subject to periodic review and restructuring based on participation numbers, geographical considerations, and the overall strategic goals of Scottish Rugby. Each region (e.g., Caledonia Midlands, East, West) will typically have multiple divisions within its regional league structure. Clubs competing in the Regional Leagues are generally smaller and draw from a more localized player base compared to those in the national leagues.
Promotion and relegation between the Regional Leagues and the National Leagues (or other Regional Leagues in some cases) can occur, although the specific mechanisms are defined by Scottish Rugby regulations and may differ across regions. These leagues provide a crucial pathway for club development and player progression within the Scottish rugby system. They are also significant for community engagement and the social aspect of rugby union at the grassroots level.