Rugby union competition structure gets overhaul ahead of the 2022/23 season

A league restructure will bring more rugby derby matches to Kent next season.

The RFU's major restructure of the adult men's game is complete with an emphasis on creating more local games in a bid to save money and create more interest.

A shortened league season has also been introduced, lessening the intensity of the previous structure. Teams from Regional 1 and below will compete in a new national cup competition at the end of the league season, which adds variety to the season fixtures and takes out the conflict between league and cup commitments.

As part of the set-up, one of Kent's leading sides Canterbury will be in National 2 East (one of three National 2 divisions) for the 2022/23 season along with Sevenoaks- newcomers to the level after topping London & South East Premier in 2021/22 - and Tonbridge Juddians.

Juddians finished bottom of National 1 last season while Canterbury were 12th placed out of 16 in National 2 South. The new National 2 East is one step below National 1.

Canterbury head coach Matt Corker was one of those who welcomed the changes.

He said: "I am excited and feel that it is an extremely positive move for our players. The Pilgrims entry into Counties 2 Kent is a big step forward in our ability as a club to help our players develop and prepare them for national league rugby.

"The new National 2 East is full of great teams and offers us reduced travel times and more rest weekends which is a great help to players rugby and life balance."

Medway will be playing national level rugby for the first time after their promotion from London Division 1 South, with third place enough to clinch a place at the higher level of the new pyramid. They will be in the same division as Tunbridge Wells - who finished