South West Premier
Current season or competition:: 2017–18 South West Premier
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| Sport | Rugby union |
|---|---|
| Instituted | 1987 |
| Number of teams | 14 |
| Country |
 England
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| Holders |
Old Redcliffians (1st title) (2016–17 (promoted to National League 2 South) |
| Most titles | Reading (3 titles) |
| Website | England Rugby - South West Division |
South West Premier (formerly National League 3 South West) is a level five league in the English rugby union system. It is one of four leagues at this level, alongside London & South East Premier, Midlands Premier and North Premier. The format of the league was changed at the beginning of the 2009–10 season following reorganisation by the Rugby Football Union, and the name change from National League 3 to Premier was introduced for the 2017-18 season by the RFU in order to lessen confusion for what is a series of regional leagues. South West Premier is the highest regional rugby union league covering South West England and part of South East England.
The club finishing in first place is automatically promoted to National League 2 South. The runner-up play the second placed team of London & South East Premier, with the winner also gaining promotion. Relegated teams drop down to either South West 1 East or South West 1 West (occasionally Midlands 1 West) depending on location, and other factors such as the location of relegated and promoted teams in other divisions.
The current champions are Old Redcliffians, who will participate in National League 2 South next season.
The season runs from September to May and comprises twenty-six rounds of matches, with each club playing each of its rivals, home and away. The results of the matches contribute points to the league as follows:
Ten of the fourteen teams participated in last season's competition (when it was known as National League 3 South West). They are joined by Exmouth, who were relegated from National League 2 South, and by three promoted sides; Weston-super-Mare, Maidenhead and Newbury Blues.Old Redcliffians (champions) were promoted to National League 2 South, while relegated teams included Launceston (Tribute South West 1 West), Salisbury (South West 1 East) and Bromsgrove (Midlands 1 West).
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