Leagues
The RFU Club Championship comprises 11 levels. At London & South East Divisonal levels from 5-8, we have 11 clubs involved, and at level 9 (a Divisonal league confusingly called Sussex Spitfire Division1) we have 12 Clubs - including several several lower XV's from the strongest Clubs. The alternative to including 2nd/3rd 3rd XV's was to amalgamate with neightbouring Counties and lose our identity.
Below the 'RFU-administered' Leagues, we have 5 'Sussex Team leagues', for teams at all other levels. The Leagues are sponsored by Shepherd Neame and administered by Sussex RFU. Promotion and relegation operate at all levels.
Almost every side in every Club in Sussex can enter a League or Knockout competition. The exception are those who are simply too strong - or who choose to enter competitions run by neighbouring Counties.
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Knockout and Cups
Knockouts - At each of the higher levels - 4 - 6, the RFU will be running a National Knockout Competition for divisional League Winners. Level 7 (London IISE/IISW) and Level 8 (London IIISE) Clubs can enter the Senior Vase and Junior Vase respectively. These will be run by the London Divisonal Committee (LDOC) to produce 2 quarter-finalists to compete with the other divisions.
Sussex RFU organise 7 levels of Knockout competitions sponsored by Shepherd Neame - the 'Club Knockouts' For First XV's - the Plate for the lowest 8 League Clubs, Shield for the middle level, and Trophy for the London Division clubs. For the other Club XV's the 'Team Knockouts' equivalents are the Salver, Vase and Bowl. A 'Womens' Knockout' is also held, as is a Colts knockout.
Champion Sussex Club Cups - All the results -League, Knockout, Friendly from all Club XV's - Senior,Colts,Women are collated and at the end of the Season, Cups are presented to the best 'Single XV Club' and best 'Multi-team Club.
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