National 1 - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. National 1 is the third tier of professional rugby union in Scotland, below the Pro14 and the Scottish Premiership.
- 2. The league consists of 12 teams, with each team playing each other twice during the regular season for a total of 22 matches.
- 3. The top team at the end of the regular season is promoted to the Scottish Premiership, while the bottom team is relegated to National 2.
- 4. National 1 features a mix of professional and semi-professional players, with some teams having close ties to professional clubs in the Pro14.
- 5. The league is known for its competitive and physical style of play, with teams often relying on strong set pieces and disciplined defense.
- 6. National 1 matches are typically played on weekends, with some matches also being broadcast on television or live-streamed online.
- 7. The league has produced several top-level players who have gone on to represent Scotland at the international level, including current Scotland captain Stuart Hogg.
- 8. National 1 teams are based in cities and towns across Scotland, with clubs such as Heriot's, Watsonians, and Ayr being among the most successful in recent years.
- 9. The league has a strong community focus, with many clubs actively involved in youth development programs and local outreach initiatives.
- 10. National 1 provides a pathway for young Scottish players to develop their skills and potentially move up to the higher levels of professional rugby in Scotland and beyond.