County Championship (rugby union)
Encyclopedia
The County Championship is an annual rugby union
competition in England
between teams representing English counties. After restructuring in 2007 the top tier of the Championship has been known as the Bill Beaumont Cup, after the trophy awarded to the competition winners was named in honour of Bill Beaumont
, a former England
and [British & Irish Lions] captain.http://www.rfu.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/RFUHome.Community_Detail/StoryID/13896 Teams also compete for the County Championship Shield and County Championship Plate.
The English County Championship has a long history, being first officially recognised by the Rugby Football Union
in 1889. The 2011 Championship was the 111th competition. The most successful county, Lancashire
, has won the competition 21 times, followed by Gloucestershire (17) and Yorkshire (15). Gloucestershire (33) and Lancashire (30) have made the most appearances in contested finals.
On four occasions the tournament final has been tied at full time and a second leg rematch has been played. Two of these rematches were also tied and on these occasions (1907 and 1967) the finalists were declared joint winners. In 1991 the final match between Cornwall and Yorkshire was tied at full time and extra time was played, with Cornwall winning 29-20.
A restructure in 1896, led to the creation of North and South regions only, the winners of these regional competitions playing a final for the County Championship. Another restructure in 1921 saw the formation of 5 regions and the knock-out stage of the championship extend to semi-finals and a final. The winners of the North East, North West and South East regions were entered into a semi-final draw along with the winners of a playoff between the winners of the South and South West regions.
Since 2007, the top 8 counties have been split into two regions of 4 teams, North and South, who play a round robin tournament, the winners of which compete for the English County Championship in the final. This format is repeated for the 8 counties that compete for the County Championship Shield. The 11 counties which compete for the County Championship Plate are split into 3 pools from which the winners and runner-up with the best record meet in semi-final matches.
From 1984 all Championship finals were played at Twickenham.
Cumbria, a 1974 almagamation of the former counties of Cumberland and Westmoreland, is shown separately from Cumberland.
Eastern Counties, Hertfordshire and Notts, Lincs & Derby have reached the final but have never won the championship.
Rugby union
Rugby union, often simply referred to as rugby, is a full contact team sport which originated in England in the early 19th century. One of the two codes of rugby football, it is based on running with the ball in hand...
competition in England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
between teams representing English counties. After restructuring in 2007 the top tier of the Championship has been known as the Bill Beaumont Cup, after the trophy awarded to the competition winners was named in honour of Bill Beaumont
Bill Beaumont
William "Bill" Blackledge Beaumont CBE was captain of the England rugby union team at a time when they struggled to win games. His greatest moment as captain was the unexpected 1980 Grand Slam. He played as a lock...
, a former England
England national rugby union team
The England national rugby union team represents England in rugby union. They compete in the annual Six Nations Championship with France, Ireland, Scotland, Italy, and Wales. They have won this championship on 26 occasions, 12 times winning the Grand Slam, making them the most successful team in...
and [British & Irish Lions] captain.http://www.rfu.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/RFUHome.Community_Detail/StoryID/13896 Teams also compete for the County Championship Shield and County Championship Plate.
The English County Championship has a long history, being first officially recognised by the Rugby Football Union
Rugby Football Union
The Rugby Football Union was founded in 1871 as the governing body for the sport of rugby union, and performed as the international governing body prior to the formation of the International Rugby Board in 1886...
in 1889. The 2011 Championship was the 111th competition. The most successful county, Lancashire
Lancashire County Rugby Football Union
The Lancashire County Rugby Football Union is the society responsible for rugby union in the county of Lancashire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union having been formed in 1881...
, has won the competition 21 times, followed by Gloucestershire (17) and Yorkshire (15). Gloucestershire (33) and Lancashire (30) have made the most appearances in contested finals.
On four occasions the tournament final has been tied at full time and a second leg rematch has been played. Two of these rematches were also tied and on these occasions (1907 and 1967) the finalists were declared joint winners. In 1991 the final match between Cornwall and Yorkshire was tied at full time and extra time was played, with Cornwall winning 29-20.
Structure
There was little formal structure to the first official years of the competition, with teams playing different numbers of matches and different opposition from across England. The winners were determined by a panel of judges from the RFU Committee. From 1892-1895, the four winners of four regional Championships (North East, North West, South East and South West) played a round robin to determine the overall winner of the County Championship.A restructure in 1896, led to the creation of North and South regions only, the winners of these regional competitions playing a final for the County Championship. Another restructure in 1921 saw the formation of 5 regions and the knock-out stage of the championship extend to semi-finals and a final. The winners of the North East, North West and South East regions were entered into a semi-final draw along with the winners of a playoff between the winners of the South and South West regions.
Since 2007, the top 8 counties have been split into two regions of 4 teams, North and South, who play a round robin tournament, the winners of which compete for the English County Championship in the final. This format is repeated for the 8 counties that compete for the County Championship Shield. The 11 counties which compete for the County Championship Plate are split into 3 pools from which the winners and runner-up with the best record meet in semi-final matches.
Past winners
| Year | Winner | Regional Winners |
|---|---|---|
| 1889 | Yorkshire | |
| 1890 | Yorkshire | |
| 1891 | Lancashire Lancashire County Rugby Football Union The Lancashire County Rugby Football Union is the society responsible for rugby union in the county of Lancashire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union having been formed in 1881... |
|
| 1892 | Yorkshire | Kent, Lancashire Lancashire County Rugby Football Union The Lancashire County Rugby Football Union is the society responsible for rugby union in the county of Lancashire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union having been formed in 1881... , Midlands |
| 1893 | Yorkshire | Cumberland, Devon, Middlesex Middlesex Rugby Football Union Middlesex Rugby Football Union is the governing body for rugby union in Middlesex, England; Middlesex is a historic county of England that has since been divided up and shared between Greater London, Surrey and Hertfordshire though the appellation is still in use when referring to sport, businesses... |
| 1894 | Yorkshire | Lancashire Lancashire County Rugby Football Union The Lancashire County Rugby Football Union is the society responsible for rugby union in the county of Lancashire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union having been formed in 1881... , Midlands, Somerset |
| 1895 | Yorkshire | Cumberland, Devon, Midlands |
| Year | Winners | Home Team | Score | Away Team | Venue | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1896 | Yorkshire | Surrey Surrey Rugby Football Union The Surrey County Rugby Football Union is the union responsible for rugby union in the county of Surrey, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union having been formed in 1879.-Early years of County representative team:... |
4-16 | Yorkshire | Richmond | |
| 1897 | Kent | Cumberland | 3-9 | Kent | Carlisle | |
| 1898 | Northumberland | Midlands | 3-24 | Northumberland | Coventry | |
| 1899 | Devon | Northumberland | 0-5 | Devon | Newcastle | |
| 1900 | Durham County | Devon | 3-11 | Durham County | Exeter | |
| 1901 | Devon | Durham County | 3-14 | Devon | West Hartlepool | |
| 1902 | Durham County | Gloucestershire Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union The Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union is the union responsible for rugby union in the county of Gloucestershire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union. Formed in 1878, it has won the county championship on numerous occasions.-History:The Union was... |
3-9 | Durham County | Gloucester | |
| 1903 | Durham County | Durham County | 4-3 | Kent | West Hartlepool | |
| 1904 | Kent | Kent | 8-6 | Durham County | Blackheath | |
| 1905 | Durham County | Durham County | 9-8 | Middlesex Middlesex Rugby Football Union Middlesex Rugby Football Union is the governing body for rugby union in Middlesex, England; Middlesex is a historic county of England that has since been divided up and shared between Greater London, Surrey and Hertfordshire though the appellation is still in use when referring to sport, businesses... |
West Hartlepool | |
| 1906 | Devon | Devon | 16-3 | Durham County | Exeter | |
| 1907 | Title shared after replay drawn | Durham County | 3-3 | Devon | West Hartlepool | |
| Devon | 0-0 | Durham County | Exeter | |||
| 1908 | Cornwall | Cornwall | 17-3 | Durham County | Redruth | |
| 1909 | Durham County | Durham County | 12-0 | Cornwall | West Hartlepool | |
| 1910 | Gloucestershire Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union The Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union is the union responsible for rugby union in the county of Gloucestershire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union. Formed in 1878, it has won the county championship on numerous occasions.-History:The Union was... |
Gloucestershire Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union The Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union is the union responsible for rugby union in the county of Gloucestershire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union. Formed in 1878, it has won the county championship on numerous occasions.-History:The Union was... |
23-0 | Yorkshire | Gloucester | |
| 1911 | Devon | Yorkshire | 3-12 | Devon | Kirkstall, Leeds | |
| 1912 | Devon | Devon | 29-0 | Northumberland | Devonport | |
| 1913 | Gloucestershire Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union The Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union is the union responsible for rugby union in the county of Gloucestershire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union. Formed in 1878, it has won the county championship on numerous occasions.-History:The Union was... |
Cumberland | 3-14 | Gloucestershire Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union The Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union is the union responsible for rugby union in the county of Gloucestershire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union. Formed in 1878, it has won the county championship on numerous occasions.-History:The Union was... |
Carlisle | |
| 1914 | Midlands | Midlands | 22-5 | Durham County | Leicester | |
| 1915-19 | Competition suspended for WWI | |||||
| 1920 | Gloucestershire Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union The Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union is the union responsible for rugby union in the county of Gloucestershire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union. Formed in 1878, it has won the county championship on numerous occasions.-History:The Union was... |
Yorkshire | 3-27 | Gloucestershire Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union The Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union is the union responsible for rugby union in the county of Gloucestershire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union. Formed in 1878, it has won the county championship on numerous occasions.-History:The Union was... |
Bradford | |
| 1921 | Gloucestershire Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union The Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union is the union responsible for rugby union in the county of Gloucestershire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union. Formed in 1878, it has won the county championship on numerous occasions.-History:The Union was... |
Gloucestershire Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union The Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union is the union responsible for rugby union in the county of Gloucestershire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union. Formed in 1878, it has won the county championship on numerous occasions.-History:The Union was... |
31-4 | Leicestershire | Kingsholm | |
| 1922 | Gloucestershire Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union The Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union is the union responsible for rugby union in the county of Gloucestershire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union. Formed in 1878, it has won the county championship on numerous occasions.-History:The Union was... |
North Midlands | 0-19 | Gloucestershire Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union The Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union is the union responsible for rugby union in the county of Gloucestershire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union. Formed in 1878, it has won the county championship on numerous occasions.-History:The Union was... |
Aston Villa | |
| 1923 | Somerset | Somerset | 8-6 | Leicestershire | Bridgwater | |
| 1924 | Cumberland | Cumberland | 14-3 | Kent | Carlisle | |
| 1925 | Leicestershire | Gloucestershire Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union The Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union is the union responsible for rugby union in the county of Gloucestershire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union. Formed in 1878, it has won the county championship on numerous occasions.-History:The Union was... |
6-14 | Leicestershire | Bristol | |
| 1926 | Yorkshire | Yorkshire | 15-14 | Hampshire | Bradford | |
| 1927 | Kent | Kent | 22-12 | Leicestershire | Blackheath | |
| 1928 | Yorkshire | Yorkshire | 12-8 | Cornwall | Bradford | |
| 1929 | Middlesex Middlesex Rugby Football Union Middlesex Rugby Football Union is the governing body for rugby union in Middlesex, England; Middlesex is a historic county of England that has since been divided up and shared between Greater London, Surrey and Hertfordshire though the appellation is still in use when referring to sport, businesses... |
Middlesex Middlesex Rugby Football Union Middlesex Rugby Football Union is the governing body for rugby union in Middlesex, England; Middlesex is a historic county of England that has since been divided up and shared between Greater London, Surrey and Hertfordshire though the appellation is still in use when referring to sport, businesses... |
8-8 | Lancashire Lancashire County Rugby Football Union The Lancashire County Rugby Football Union is the society responsible for rugby union in the county of Lancashire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union having been formed in 1881... |
Twickenham | |
| Lancashire Lancashire County Rugby Football Union The Lancashire County Rugby Football Union is the society responsible for rugby union in the county of Lancashire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union having been formed in 1881... |
8-9 | Middlesex Middlesex Rugby Football Union Middlesex Rugby Football Union is the governing body for rugby union in Middlesex, England; Middlesex is a historic county of England that has since been divided up and shared between Greater London, Surrey and Hertfordshire though the appellation is still in use when referring to sport, businesses... |
Blundellsands | Replay match | ||
| 1930 | Gloucestershire Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union The Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union is the union responsible for rugby union in the county of Gloucestershire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union. Formed in 1878, it has won the county championship on numerous occasions.-History:The Union was... |
Lancashire Lancashire County Rugby Football Union The Lancashire County Rugby Football Union is the society responsible for rugby union in the county of Lancashire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union having been formed in 1881... |
7-13 | Gloucestershire Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union The Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union is the union responsible for rugby union in the county of Gloucestershire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union. Formed in 1878, it has won the county championship on numerous occasions.-History:The Union was... |
Blundellsands | |
| 1931 | Gloucestershire Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union The Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union is the union responsible for rugby union in the county of Gloucestershire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union. Formed in 1878, it has won the county championship on numerous occasions.-History:The Union was... |
Gloucestershire Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union The Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union is the union responsible for rugby union in the county of Gloucestershire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union. Formed in 1878, it has won the county championship on numerous occasions.-History:The Union was... |
10-9 | Warwickshire | Gloucester | |
| 1932 | Gloucestershire Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union The Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union is the union responsible for rugby union in the county of Gloucestershire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union. Formed in 1878, it has won the county championship on numerous occasions.-History:The Union was... |
Durham County | 3-9 | Gloucestershire Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union The Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union is the union responsible for rugby union in the county of Gloucestershire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union. Formed in 1878, it has won the county championship on numerous occasions.-History:The Union was... |
Blaydon-on-Tyne | |
| 1933 | Hampshire | Hampshire | 18-7 | Lancashire Lancashire County Rugby Football Union The Lancashire County Rugby Football Union is the society responsible for rugby union in the county of Lancashire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union having been formed in 1881... |
Boscombe | |
| 1934 | East Midlands | East Midlands | 10-0 | Gloucestershire Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union The Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union is the union responsible for rugby union in the county of Gloucestershire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union. Formed in 1878, it has won the county championship on numerous occasions.-History:The Union was... |
Northampton | |
| 1935 | Lancashire Lancashire County Rugby Football Union The Lancashire County Rugby Football Union is the society responsible for rugby union in the county of Lancashire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union having been formed in 1881... |
Somerset | 0-14 | Lancashire Lancashire County Rugby Football Union The Lancashire County Rugby Football Union is the society responsible for rugby union in the county of Lancashire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union having been formed in 1881... |
Bath | |
| 1936 | Hampshire | Northumberland | 6-13 | Hampshire | Gosforth | |
| 1937 | Gloucestershire Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union The Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union is the union responsible for rugby union in the county of Gloucestershire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union. Formed in 1878, it has won the county championship on numerous occasions.-History:The Union was... |
Gloucestershire Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union The Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union is the union responsible for rugby union in the county of Gloucestershire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union. Formed in 1878, it has won the county championship on numerous occasions.-History:The Union was... |
5-0 | East Midlands | Bristol | |
| 1938 | Lancashire Lancashire County Rugby Football Union The Lancashire County Rugby Football Union is the society responsible for rugby union in the county of Lancashire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union having been formed in 1881... |
Lancashire Lancashire County Rugby Football Union The Lancashire County Rugby Football Union is the society responsible for rugby union in the county of Lancashire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union having been formed in 1881... |
24-12 | Surrey Surrey Rugby Football Union The Surrey County Rugby Football Union is the union responsible for rugby union in the county of Surrey, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union having been formed in 1879.-Early years of County representative team:... |
Blundellsands | |
| 1939 | Warwickshire | Somerset | 3-8 | Warwickshire | Weston-Super-Mare | |
| 1940-46 | Competition suspended for WWII | |||||
| 1947 | Lancashire Lancashire County Rugby Football Union The Lancashire County Rugby Football Union is the society responsible for rugby union in the county of Lancashire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union having been formed in 1881... |
Lancashire Lancashire County Rugby Football Union The Lancashire County Rugby Football Union is the society responsible for rugby union in the county of Lancashire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union having been formed in 1881... |
8-8 | Gloucestershire Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union The Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union is the union responsible for rugby union in the county of Gloucestershire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union. Formed in 1878, it has won the county championship on numerous occasions.-History:The Union was... |
Blundellsands | |
| Gloucestershire Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union The Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union is the union responsible for rugby union in the county of Gloucestershire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union. Formed in 1878, it has won the county championship on numerous occasions.-History:The Union was... |
3-14 | Lancashire Lancashire County Rugby Football Union The Lancashire County Rugby Football Union is the society responsible for rugby union in the county of Lancashire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union having been formed in 1881... |
Kingsholm | Replay match | ||
| 1948 | Lancashire Lancashire County Rugby Football Union The Lancashire County Rugby Football Union is the society responsible for rugby union in the county of Lancashire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union having been formed in 1881... |
Eastern Counties | 0-5 | Lancashire Lancashire County Rugby Football Union The Lancashire County Rugby Football Union is the society responsible for rugby union in the county of Lancashire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union having been formed in 1881... |
Cambridge | |
| 1949 | Lancashire Lancashire County Rugby Football Union The Lancashire County Rugby Football Union is the society responsible for rugby union in the county of Lancashire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union having been formed in 1881... |
Lancashire Lancashire County Rugby Football Union The Lancashire County Rugby Football Union is the society responsible for rugby union in the county of Lancashire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union having been formed in 1881... |
9-3 | Gloucestershire Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union The Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union is the union responsible for rugby union in the county of Gloucestershire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union. Formed in 1878, it has won the county championship on numerous occasions.-History:The Union was... |
Blundellsands | |
| 1950 | Cheshire | Cheshire | 5-0 | East Midlands | Birkenhead Park | |
| 1951 | East Midlands | East Midlands | 10-0 | Middlesex Middlesex Rugby Football Union Middlesex Rugby Football Union is the governing body for rugby union in Middlesex, England; Middlesex is a historic county of England that has since been divided up and shared between Greater London, Surrey and Hertfordshire though the appellation is still in use when referring to sport, businesses... |
Northampton | |
| 1952 | Middlesex Middlesex Rugby Football Union Middlesex Rugby Football Union is the governing body for rugby union in Middlesex, England; Middlesex is a historic county of England that has since been divided up and shared between Greater London, Surrey and Hertfordshire though the appellation is still in use when referring to sport, businesses... |
Middlesex Middlesex Rugby Football Union Middlesex Rugby Football Union is the governing body for rugby union in Middlesex, England; Middlesex is a historic county of England that has since been divided up and shared between Greater London, Surrey and Hertfordshire though the appellation is still in use when referring to sport, businesses... |
9-6 | Lancashire Lancashire County Rugby Football Union The Lancashire County Rugby Football Union is the society responsible for rugby union in the county of Lancashire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union having been formed in 1881... |
Twickenham | |
| 1953 | Yorkshire | Yorkshire | 11-3 | East Midlands | Bradford | |
| 1954 | Middlesex Middlesex Rugby Football Union Middlesex Rugby Football Union is the governing body for rugby union in Middlesex, England; Middlesex is a historic county of England that has since been divided up and shared between Greater London, Surrey and Hertfordshire though the appellation is still in use when referring to sport, businesses... |
Lancashire Lancashire County Rugby Football Union The Lancashire County Rugby Football Union is the society responsible for rugby union in the county of Lancashire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union having been formed in 1881... |
6-24 | Middlesex Middlesex Rugby Football Union Middlesex Rugby Football Union is the governing body for rugby union in Middlesex, England; Middlesex is a historic county of England that has since been divided up and shared between Greater London, Surrey and Hertfordshire though the appellation is still in use when referring to sport, businesses... |
Blundellsands | |
| 1955 | Lancashire Lancashire County Rugby Football Union The Lancashire County Rugby Football Union is the society responsible for rugby union in the county of Lancashire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union having been formed in 1881... |
Middlesex Middlesex Rugby Football Union Middlesex Rugby Football Union is the governing body for rugby union in Middlesex, England; Middlesex is a historic county of England that has since been divided up and shared between Greater London, Surrey and Hertfordshire though the appellation is still in use when referring to sport, businesses... |
8-14 | Lancashire Lancashire County Rugby Football Union The Lancashire County Rugby Football Union is the society responsible for rugby union in the county of Lancashire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union having been formed in 1881... |
Twickenham | |
| 1956 | Middlesex Middlesex Rugby Football Union Middlesex Rugby Football Union is the governing body for rugby union in Middlesex, England; Middlesex is a historic county of England that has since been divided up and shared between Greater London, Surrey and Hertfordshire though the appellation is still in use when referring to sport, businesses... |
Middlesex Middlesex Rugby Football Union Middlesex Rugby Football Union is the governing body for rugby union in Middlesex, England; Middlesex is a historic county of England that has since been divided up and shared between Greater London, Surrey and Hertfordshire though the appellation is still in use when referring to sport, businesses... |
13-9 | Devon | Twickenham | |
| 1957 | Devon | Devon | 12-3 | Yorkshire | Home Park, Plymouth | |
| 1958 | Warwickshire | Warwickshire | 16-8 | Cornwall | Coundon Road, Coventry | |
| 1959 | Warwickshire | Gloucestershire Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union The Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union is the union responsible for rugby union in the county of Gloucestershire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union. Formed in 1878, it has won the county championship on numerous occasions.-History:The Union was... |
9-14 | Warwickshire | Memorial Ground Bristol | |
| 1960 | Warwickshire | Warwickshire | 9-6 | Surrey Surrey Rugby Football Union The Surrey County Rugby Football Union is the union responsible for rugby union in the county of Surrey, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union having been formed in 1879.-Early years of County representative team:... |
Coundon Road, Coventry | |
| 1961 | Cheshire | Devon | 0-0 | Cheshire | Home Park, Plymouth | |
| Cheshire | 5-3 | Devon | Birkenhead Park | Replay match | ||
| 1962 | Warwickshire | Hampshire | 6-11 | Warwickshire | Twickenham | |
| 1963 | Warwickshire | Warwickshire | 13-10 | Yorkshire | Coundon Road, Coventry | |
| 1964 | Warwickshire | Warwickshire | 8-6 | Lancashire Lancashire County Rugby Football Union The Lancashire County Rugby Football Union is the society responsible for rugby union in the county of Lancashire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union having been formed in 1881... |
Coundon Road, Coventry | |
| 1965 | Warwickshire | Durham County | 9-15 | Warwickshire | Hartlepool | |
| 1966 | Middlesex Middlesex Rugby Football Union Middlesex Rugby Football Union is the governing body for rugby union in Middlesex, England; Middlesex is a historic county of England that has since been divided up and shared between Greater London, Surrey and Hertfordshire though the appellation is still in use when referring to sport, businesses... |
Lancashire Lancashire County Rugby Football Union The Lancashire County Rugby Football Union is the society responsible for rugby union in the county of Lancashire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union having been formed in 1881... |
0-6 | Middlesex Middlesex Rugby Football Union Middlesex Rugby Football Union is the governing body for rugby union in Middlesex, England; Middlesex is a historic county of England that has since been divided up and shared between Greater London, Surrey and Hertfordshire though the appellation is still in use when referring to sport, businesses... |
Blundellsands | |
| 1967 | Title shared after replay drawn | Surrey Surrey Rugby Football Union The Surrey County Rugby Football Union is the union responsible for rugby union in the county of Surrey, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union having been formed in 1879.-Early years of County representative team:... |
14-14 | Durham County | Twickenham | |
| Durham County | 0-0 | Surrey Surrey Rugby Football Union The Surrey County Rugby Football Union is the union responsible for rugby union in the county of Surrey, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union having been formed in 1879.-Early years of County representative team:... |
Hartlepool | |||
| 1968 | Middlesex Middlesex Rugby Football Union Middlesex Rugby Football Union is the governing body for rugby union in Middlesex, England; Middlesex is a historic county of England that has since been divided up and shared between Greater London, Surrey and Hertfordshire though the appellation is still in use when referring to sport, businesses... |
Middlesex Middlesex Rugby Football Union Middlesex Rugby Football Union is the governing body for rugby union in Middlesex, England; Middlesex is a historic county of England that has since been divided up and shared between Greater London, Surrey and Hertfordshire though the appellation is still in use when referring to sport, businesses... |
9-6 | Warwickshire | Twickenham | |
| 1969 | Lancashire Lancashire County Rugby Football Union The Lancashire County Rugby Football Union is the society responsible for rugby union in the county of Lancashire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union having been formed in 1881... |
Cornwall | 9-11 | Lancashire Lancashire County Rugby Football Union The Lancashire County Rugby Football Union is the society responsible for rugby union in the county of Lancashire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union having been formed in 1881... |
Redruth | |
| 1970 | Staffordshire | Staffordshire | 11-9 | Gloucestershire Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union The Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union is the union responsible for rugby union in the county of Gloucestershire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union. Formed in 1878, it has won the county championship on numerous occasions.-History:The Union was... |
Burton on Trent | |
| 1971 | Surrey Surrey Rugby Football Union The Surrey County Rugby Football Union is the union responsible for rugby union in the county of Surrey, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union having been formed in 1879.-Early years of County representative team:... |
Gloucestershire Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union The Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union is the union responsible for rugby union in the county of Gloucestershire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union. Formed in 1878, it has won the county championship on numerous occasions.-History:The Union was... |
3-14 | Surrey Surrey Rugby Football Union The Surrey County Rugby Football Union is the union responsible for rugby union in the county of Surrey, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union having been formed in 1879.-Early years of County representative team:... |
Kingsholm | |
| 1972 | Gloucestershire Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union The Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union is the union responsible for rugby union in the county of Gloucestershire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union. Formed in 1878, it has won the county championship on numerous occasions.-History:The Union was... |
Warwickshire | 6-11 | Gloucestershire Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union The Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union is the union responsible for rugby union in the county of Gloucestershire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union. Formed in 1878, it has won the county championship on numerous occasions.-History:The Union was... |
Coundon Road, Coventry | |
| 1973 | Lancashire Lancashire County Rugby Football Union The Lancashire County Rugby Football Union is the society responsible for rugby union in the county of Lancashire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union having been formed in 1881... |
Gloucestershire Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union The Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union is the union responsible for rugby union in the county of Gloucestershire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union. Formed in 1878, it has won the county championship on numerous occasions.-History:The Union was... |
12-17 | Lancashire Lancashire County Rugby Football Union The Lancashire County Rugby Football Union is the society responsible for rugby union in the county of Lancashire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union having been formed in 1881... |
Memorial Ground Bristol | |
| 1974 | Gloucestershire Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union The Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union is the union responsible for rugby union in the county of Gloucestershire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union. Formed in 1878, it has won the county championship on numerous occasions.-History:The Union was... |
Lancashire Lancashire County Rugby Football Union The Lancashire County Rugby Football Union is the society responsible for rugby union in the county of Lancashire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union having been formed in 1881... |
12-22 | Gloucestershire Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union The Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union is the union responsible for rugby union in the county of Gloucestershire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union. Formed in 1878, it has won the county championship on numerous occasions.-History:The Union was... |
Blundellsands | |
| 1975 | Gloucestershire Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union The Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union is the union responsible for rugby union in the county of Gloucestershire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union. Formed in 1878, it has won the county championship on numerous occasions.-History:The Union was... |
Gloucestershire Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union The Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union is the union responsible for rugby union in the county of Gloucestershire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union. Formed in 1878, it has won the county championship on numerous occasions.-History:The Union was... |
13-9 | East Counties | Kingsholm | |
| 1976 | Gloucestershire Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union The Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union is the union responsible for rugby union in the county of Gloucestershire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union. Formed in 1878, it has won the county championship on numerous occasions.-History:The Union was... |
Middlesex Middlesex Rugby Football Union Middlesex Rugby Football Union is the governing body for rugby union in Middlesex, England; Middlesex is a historic county of England that has since been divided up and shared between Greater London, Surrey and Hertfordshire though the appellation is still in use when referring to sport, businesses... |
9-24 | Gloucestershire Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union The Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union is the union responsible for rugby union in the county of Gloucestershire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union. Formed in 1878, it has won the county championship on numerous occasions.-History:The Union was... |
Richmond Athletic Ground | |
| 1977 | Lancashire Lancashire County Rugby Football Union The Lancashire County Rugby Football Union is the society responsible for rugby union in the county of Lancashire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union having been formed in 1881... |
Lancashire Lancashire County Rugby Football Union The Lancashire County Rugby Football Union is the society responsible for rugby union in the county of Lancashire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union having been formed in 1881... |
17-6 | Middlesex Middlesex Rugby Football Union Middlesex Rugby Football Union is the governing body for rugby union in Middlesex, England; Middlesex is a historic county of England that has since been divided up and shared between Greater London, Surrey and Hertfordshire though the appellation is still in use when referring to sport, businesses... |
Blundellsands | |
| 1978 | North Midlands | North Midlands | 10-7 | Gloucestershire Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union The Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union is the union responsible for rugby union in the county of Gloucestershire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union. Formed in 1878, it has won the county championship on numerous occasions.-History:The Union was... |
The Reddings, Moseley | |
| 1979 | Middlesex Middlesex Rugby Football Union Middlesex Rugby Football Union is the governing body for rugby union in Middlesex, England; Middlesex is a historic county of England that has since been divided up and shared between Greater London, Surrey and Hertfordshire though the appellation is still in use when referring to sport, businesses... |
Middlesex Middlesex Rugby Football Union Middlesex Rugby Football Union is the governing body for rugby union in Middlesex, England; Middlesex is a historic county of England that has since been divided up and shared between Greater London, Surrey and Hertfordshire though the appellation is still in use when referring to sport, businesses... |
19-6 | Northumberland | Twickenham | |
| 1980 | Lancashire Lancashire County Rugby Football Union The Lancashire County Rugby Football Union is the society responsible for rugby union in the county of Lancashire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union having been formed in 1881... |
Lancashire Lancashire County Rugby Football Union The Lancashire County Rugby Football Union is the society responsible for rugby union in the county of Lancashire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union having been formed in 1881... |
21-15 | Gloucestershire Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union The Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union is the union responsible for rugby union in the county of Gloucestershire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union. Formed in 1878, it has won the county championship on numerous occasions.-History:The Union was... |
Vale of Lune | |
| 1981 | Lancashire Lancashire County Rugby Football Union The Lancashire County Rugby Football Union is the society responsible for rugby union in the county of Lancashire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union having been formed in 1881... |
North Midlands | 3-7 | Lancashire Lancashire County Rugby Football Union The Lancashire County Rugby Football Union is the society responsible for rugby union in the county of Lancashire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union having been formed in 1881... |
The Reddings, Moseley | |
| 1982 | Northumberland | Gloucestershire Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union The Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union is the union responsible for rugby union in the county of Gloucestershire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union. Formed in 1878, it has won the county championship on numerous occasions.-History:The Union was... |
6-15 | Northumberland | Kingsholm | |
| 1983 | Gloucestershire Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union The Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union is the union responsible for rugby union in the county of Gloucestershire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union. Formed in 1878, it has won the county championship on numerous occasions.-History:The Union was... |
Gloucestershire Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union The Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union is the union responsible for rugby union in the county of Gloucestershire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union. Formed in 1878, it has won the county championship on numerous occasions.-History:The Union was... |
19-7 | Yorkshire | Memorial Ground Bristol | |
From 1984 all Championship finals were played at Twickenham.
| Year | Winners | Score | Runner's Up | Venue | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | Gloucestershire Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union The Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union is the union responsible for rugby union in the county of Gloucestershire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union. Formed in 1878, it has won the county championship on numerous occasions.-History:The Union was... |
36-18 | Somerset | Twickenham | |
| 1985 | Middlesex Middlesex Rugby Football Union Middlesex Rugby Football Union is the governing body for rugby union in Middlesex, England; Middlesex is a historic county of England that has since been divided up and shared between Greater London, Surrey and Hertfordshire though the appellation is still in use when referring to sport, businesses... |
12-9 | Notts, Lincs & Derby | Twickenham | |
| 1986 | Warwickshire | 16-6 | Kent | Twickenham | |
| 1987 | Yorkshire | 22-11 | Middlesex Middlesex Rugby Football Union Middlesex Rugby Football Union is the governing body for rugby union in Middlesex, England; Middlesex is a historic county of England that has since been divided up and shared between Greater London, Surrey and Hertfordshire though the appellation is still in use when referring to sport, businesses... |
Twickenham | |
| 1988 | Lancashire Lancashire County Rugby Football Union The Lancashire County Rugby Football Union is the society responsible for rugby union in the county of Lancashire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union having been formed in 1881... |
23-18 | Warwickshire | Twickenham | |
| 1989 | Durham County | 13-9 | Cornwall | Twickenham | |
| 1990 | Lancashire Lancashire County Rugby Football Union The Lancashire County Rugby Football Union is the society responsible for rugby union in the county of Lancashire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union having been formed in 1881... |
32-9 | Middlesex Middlesex Rugby Football Union Middlesex Rugby Football Union is the governing body for rugby union in Middlesex, England; Middlesex is a historic county of England that has since been divided up and shared between Greater London, Surrey and Hertfordshire though the appellation is still in use when referring to sport, businesses... |
Twickenham | |
| 1991 | Cornwall | 29-20 | Yorkshire | Twickenham | AET |
| 1992 | Lancashire Lancashire County Rugby Football Union The Lancashire County Rugby Football Union is the society responsible for rugby union in the county of Lancashire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union having been formed in 1881... |
9-6 | Cornwall | Twickenham | |
| 1993 | Lancashire Lancashire County Rugby Football Union The Lancashire County Rugby Football Union is the society responsible for rugby union in the county of Lancashire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union having been formed in 1881... |
9-6 | Yorkshire | Twickenham | |
| 1994 | Yorkshire | 26-3 | Durham County | Twickenham | |
| 1995 | Warwickshire | 15-9 | Northumberland | Twickenham | |
| 1996 | Gloucestershire Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union The Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union is the union responsible for rugby union in the county of Gloucestershire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union. Formed in 1878, it has won the county championship on numerous occasions.-History:The Union was... |
17-13 | Warwickshire | Twickenham | |
| 1997 | Cumbria | 21-13 | Somerset | Twickenham | |
| 1998 | Cheshire | 21-14 | Cornwall | Twickenham | |
| 1999 | Cornwall | 25-15 | Gloucestershire Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union The Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union is the union responsible for rugby union in the county of Gloucestershire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union. Formed in 1878, it has won the county championship on numerous occasions.-History:The Union was... |
Twickenham | |
| 2000 | Yorkshire | 16-9 | Devon | Twickenham | |
| 2001 | Yorkshire | 47-19 | Cornwall | Twickenham | |
| 2002 | Gloucestershire Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union The Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union is the union responsible for rugby union in the county of Gloucestershire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union. Formed in 1878, it has won the county championship on numerous occasions.-History:The Union was... |
26-23 | Cheshire | Twickenham | |
| 2003 | Lancashire Lancashire County Rugby Football Union The Lancashire County Rugby Football Union is the society responsible for rugby union in the county of Lancashire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union having been formed in 1881... |
24-18 | Gloucestershire Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union The Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union is the union responsible for rugby union in the county of Gloucestershire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union. Formed in 1878, it has won the county championship on numerous occasions.-History:The Union was... |
Twickenham | |
| 2004 | Devon | 43-14 | Gloucestershire Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union The Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union is the union responsible for rugby union in the county of Gloucestershire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union. Formed in 1878, it has won the county championship on numerous occasions.-History:The Union was... |
Twickenham | |
| 2005 | Devon | 22-16 | Lancashire Lancashire County Rugby Football Union The Lancashire County Rugby Football Union is the society responsible for rugby union in the county of Lancashire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union having been formed in 1881... |
Twickenham | |
| 2006 | Lancashire Lancashire County Rugby Football Union The Lancashire County Rugby Football Union is the society responsible for rugby union in the county of Lancashire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union having been formed in 1881... |
32-26 | Devon | Twickenham | |
| 2007 | Devon | 27-6 | Lancashire Lancashire County Rugby Football Union The Lancashire County Rugby Football Union is the society responsible for rugby union in the county of Lancashire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union having been formed in 1881... |
Twickenham | |
| 2008 | Yorkshire | 33-13 | Devon | Twickenham | |
| 2009 | Lancashire Lancashire County Rugby Football Union The Lancashire County Rugby Football Union is the society responsible for rugby union in the county of Lancashire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union having been formed in 1881... |
32-18 | Gloucestershire Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union The Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union is the union responsible for rugby union in the county of Gloucestershire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union. Formed in 1878, it has won the county championship on numerous occasions.-History:The Union was... |
Twickenham | |
| 2010 | Lancashire Lancashire County Rugby Football Union The Lancashire County Rugby Football Union is the society responsible for rugby union in the county of Lancashire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union having been formed in 1881... |
36-6 | Gloucestershire Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union The Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union is the union responsible for rugby union in the county of Gloucestershire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union. Formed in 1878, it has won the county championship on numerous occasions.-History:The Union was... |
Twickenham | |
| 2011 | Lancashire Lancashire County Rugby Football Union The Lancashire County Rugby Football Union is the society responsible for rugby union in the county of Lancashire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union having been formed in 1881... |
32-23 | Hertfordshire | Twickenham |
Championships by county
| County | Outright | Shared | Total | Runners-up | Last won |
| Cheshire | 3 | 3 | 1 | 1998 | |
| Cornwall | 3 | 3 | 8 | 1999 | |
| Cumberland | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1924 | |
| Cumbria | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1997 | |
| Devon | 9 | 1 | 10 | 6 | 2007 |
| Durham | 6 | 2 | 8 | 8 | 1989 |
| East Midlands | 2 | 2 | 3 | 1951 | |
| Eastern Counties | 2 | ||||
| Gloucestershire Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union The Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union is the union responsible for rugby union in the county of Gloucestershire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union. Formed in 1878, it has won the county championship on numerous occasions.-History:The Union was... |
17 | 17 | 16 | 2002 | |
| Hampshire | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1936 | |
| Hertfordshire | 1 | ||||
| Kent | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1927 | |
| Lancashire Lancashire County Rugby Football Union The Lancashire County Rugby Football Union is the society responsible for rugby union in the county of Lancashire, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union having been formed in 1881... |
21 | 21 | 10 | 2011 | |
| Leicestershire | 1 | 1 | 3 | 1925 | |
| Middlesex Middlesex Rugby Football Union Middlesex Rugby Football Union is the governing body for rugby union in Middlesex, England; Middlesex is a historic county of England that has since been divided up and shared between Greater London, Surrey and Hertfordshire though the appellation is still in use when referring to sport, businesses... |
8 | 8 | 7 | 1985 | |
| Midlands | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1914 | |
| North Midlands | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1978 | |
| Northumberland | 2 | 2 | 5 | 1982 | |
| Notts, Lincs & Derby | 1 | ||||
| Somerset | 1 | 1 | 4 | 1923 | |
| Staffordshire | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1970 | |
| Surrey Surrey Rugby Football Union The Surrey County Rugby Football Union is the union responsible for rugby union in the county of Surrey, England and is one of the constituent bodies of the national Rugby Football Union having been formed in 1879.-Early years of County representative team:... |
1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 1971 |
| Warwickshire | 10 | 10 | 5 | 1995 | |
| Yorkshire | 15 | 15 | 8 | 2008 |
Cumbria, a 1974 almagamation of the former counties of Cumberland and Westmoreland, is shown separately from Cumberland.
Eastern Counties, Hertfordshire and Notts, Lincs & Derby have reached the final but have never won the championship.
External links
- http://countyrugby.com/index.html
- http://www.rfu.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/RFUHome.Community_Detail/StoryID/19903