Counties 3 Gloucestershire


Counties 3 Gloucestershire is an English rugby union league which sits at the ninth level of league rugby union in England for teams based primarily in the county of Gloucestershire but also on occasion teams from Bristol. Promoted clubs move into Counties 2 Gloucestershire North or Counties 2 Gloucestershire South depending on location. Relegated clubs drop into either Counties 4 Gloucestershire.

Teams 2025-26

North

With the consolidation of the North & South divisions in Counties 2 Gloucestershire only one team, Tewkesbury, were promoted.
Only three teams retained their places in the league, all other teams, those placed 5th-10th, were cascaded down a level the RFU pyramid to Counties 4 Gloucestershire (North) with the exception of Norton and Chosen Hill FP II who dropped out of the RFU league pyramid.
TeamGroundCapacityTown/VillagePrevious season
Berry HillLakers RoadColeford, GloucestershireDemoted from Counties 2 Gloucestershire (North)
Bredon StarBredon Playing FieldsBredon, WorcestershireDemoted from Counties 2 Gloucestershire (North)
BrockworthMill LaneBrockworth, GloucestershireDemoted from Counties 2 Gloucestershire (North)
Cheltenham SaracensKing George V Playing FieldCheltenham, Gloucestershire3rd
CirencesterThe WhitewayCirencester, GloucestershireDemoted from Counties 2 Gloucestershire (North)
Coney HillMetz HillGloucester, GloucestershireDemoted from Counties 2 Gloucestershire (North)
Drybrook IIMannings GroundDrybrook, GloucestershirePromoted from Counties 4 Gloucestershire
Gloucester Old BoysHorton RoadGloucester, GloucestershireDemoted from Counties 2 Gloucestershire (North)
HucclecoteCharlies WayHucclecote, GloucestershireDemoted from Counties 2 Gloucestershire (North)
Lydney IIRegentsholm1,500Lydney, GloucestershireDemoted from Counties 2 Gloucestershire (South)
Old CryptiansThe Memorial GroundGloucester, Gloucestershire4th
Spartans Lansdown RoadGloucester, Gloucestershire2nd

South

With the consolidation of the North & South divisions in Counties 2 Gloucestershire no team was promoted.
Those teams who finished 1st-7th retained their place in the league whilst those placed 8th-12th were cascaded down a level the RFU pyramid to Counties 4 Gloucestershire (South).
TeamGroundCapacityTown/VillagePrevious season
Ashley Down Old BoysLockleaze Combination GroundLockleaze, Bristol4th
Avonmouth Old BoysBarracks LaneShirehampton, Bristol1st
Barton HillDuncombe RoadSpeedwell, Bristol3rd
Bristol SaracensBakewell Memorial GroundCribbs Causeway, BristolDemoted from Counties 2 Gloucestershire (South)
Broad PlainBristol South EndBedminster, Bristol2nd
Cotham ParkBeggar Bush LaneFailand, Somerset7th
KingswoodGrimsbury Road Playing FieldsWarmley, Kingswood, Gloucestershire6th
North BristolOaklandsAlmondsbury, BristolDemoted from Counties 2 Gloucestershire (South)
Old ColstoniansColton's SchoolStapleton, BristolDemoted from Counties 2 Gloucestershire (South)
SouthmeadGreenway CentreSouthmead, BristolDemoted from Counties 2 Gloucestershire (South)
WhitehallFoundry LaneWhitehall, Bristol5th

Teams 2024–25

North

Departing were Bredon Star and Gloucester Old Boys, promoted to Counties 2 Gloucestershire North whilst Painswick and Ross-on-Wye were relegated to Counties 4 Gloucestershire.
Spartans re-entered the leagues having withdrawn from Counties 2 Gloucestershire North ahead of the 2023-24 season.
TeamGroundCapacityTown/VillagePrevious season
Cheltenham SaracensKing George V Playing FieldCheltenham, Gloucestershire7th
Chosen Hill Former Pupils IIBrookfield RoadChurchdown, Gloucestershire9th
Longlevens IILongford LaneLonglevens, Gloucestershire6th
Matson IIRedwell RoadMatson, Gloucester, Gloucestershire5th
MinchinhamptonHollybush GroundMinchinhampton, Gloucestershire8th
NortonNorton Parish GroundsNorton, GloucestershirePromoted from Counties 4 Gloucestershire (North)
Old CryptiansThe Memorial GroundGloucester, GloucestershireRelegated from Counties 2 Gloucestershire North
Spartans Lansdown RoadGloucester, GloucestershireRe-entry
TewkesburyThe MoatsTewkesbury, Gloucestershire4th
Widden Old BoysThe Memorial GroundGloucester, Gloucestershire3rd

South

Departing were Lydney II and Southmead promoted to Counties 2 Gloucestershire South. Aretians and Bishopston were relegated to Counties 4 Gloucestershire.
Barton Hill re-entered the leagues having withdrawn from Counties 1 Western North ahead of the 2023-24 season.
TeamGroundCapacityTown/VillagePrevious season
Ashley Down Old BoysLockleaze Combination GroundLockleaze, Bristol4th
Avonmouth Old BoysBarracks LaneShirehampton, BristolRelegated from Counties 2 Gloucestershire South
Barton HillDuncombe RoadSpeedwell, BristolRe-entry
Bristol Aeroplane CompanyBAWA SportsgroundFilton, Bristol8th
Broad PlainBristol South EndBedminster, Bristol3rd
Clifton IIIStation Road2,500 Cribbs Causeway, Patchway, Bristol6th
Cotham ParkBeggar Bush LaneFailand, Somerset5th
Dings Crusaders IIIShaftsbury Park2,250 Frenchay, BristolPromoted from Counties 4 Gloucestershire South
KingswoodGrimsbury Road Playing FieldsWarmley, Kingswood, GloucestershirePromoted from Counties 4 Gloucestershire South
Old Bristolians IIMemorial Playing FieldsFailand, Somerset9th
St Brendan's Old BoysCoombe Dingle Sports ComplexCoombe Dingle, Bristol7th
WhitehallFoundry LaneWhitehall, BristolRelegated from Counties 2 Gloucestershire South

Teams 2023–24

North

Departing were Old Patesians and Stroud, promoted to Counties 2 Gloucestershire North whilst Norton were relegated to Counties 4 Gloucestershire North. Fairford left on a level transfer to Counties 3 Tribute Dorset & Wilts North.
TeamGroundCapacityTown/VillagePrevious season
Bredon StarBredon Playing FieldsBredon, Worcestershire5th
Cheltenham SaracensKing George V Playing FieldCheltenham, GloucestershireRelegated from Counties 2 Gloucestershire North
Chosen Hill Former Pupils IIBrookfield RoadChurchdown, Gloucestershire8th
Gloucester Old BoysHorton RoadGloucester, Gloucestershire3rd
Longlevens IILongford LaneLonglevens, GloucestershirePromoted from Counties 4 Gloucestershire North
Matson IIRedwell RoadMatson, Gloucester, Gloucestershire7th
MinchinhamptonHollybush GroundMinchinhampton, Gloucestershire10th
PainswickBroadham FieldsPainswick, GloucestershirePromoted from Counties 4 Gloucestershire North
Ross-on-WyeAbbotts CloseRoss-on-Wye, HerefordshireRelegated from Counties 2 Gloucestershire North
TewkesburyThe MoatsTewkesbury, Gloucestershire6th
Widden Old BoysThe Memorial GroundGloucester, Gloucestershire4th

South

Departing were North Bristol and Old Colstonians promoted to Counties 2 Gloucestershire South. Frampton Cottrell II were relegated to Counties 4 Gloucestershire South
TeamGroundCapacityTown/VillagePrevious season
AretiansLittle Stoke ParkLittle Stoke, Bristol11th
Ashley Down Old BoysLockleaze Combination GroundLockleaze, Bristol3rd
BishopstonBonnington WalkLockleaze, Bristol9th
Bristol Aeroplane CompanyBAWA SportsgroundFilton, BristolPromoted from Counties 4 Gloucestershire South
Broad PlainBristol South EndBedminster, Bristol4th
Clifton IIIStation Road2,500 Cribbs Causeway, Patchway, BristolPromoted from Counties 4 Gloucestershire South
Cotham ParkBeggar Bush LaneFailand, Somerset6th
Lydney IIRegentsholm1,500Lydney, GloucestershireRelegated from Counties 2 Gloucestershire South
Old Bristolians IIMemorial Playing FieldsFailand, Somerset8th
SouthmeadGreenway CentreSouthmead, Bristol5th
St Brendan's Old BoysCoombe Dingle Sports ComplexCoombe Dingle, Bristol7th

Teams 2022–23

This was the first season following the RFU Adult Competition Review.

North

Departing were Smiths, Gordon League, Brockworth, Cirencester and Old Centralians II - all promoted to Counties 2 Gloucestershire North as were Berry Hill and Drybrook II to Counties 2 Gloucestershire South.
Old Patesians had finished 13th in Tribute South West 1 West an elected to suffer a triple relegation ahead of the new season.
TeamGroundCapacityTown/VillagePrevious season
Bredon StarBredon Playing FieldsBredon, WorcestershirePromoted from Gloucester 2 (North)
Chosen Hill Former Pupils IIBrookfield RoadChurchdown, Gloucestershire11th
FairfordColn House School Playing GroundsFairford, Gloucestershire10th
Gloucester Old BoysHorton RoadGloucester, Gloucestershire8th
Matson IIRedwell RoadMatson, Gloucester, Gloucestershire12th
MinchinhamptonHollybush GroundMinchinhampton, GloucestershirePromoted from Gloucester 2 (North)
NortonNorton Parish GroundsNorton, GloucestershirePromoted from Gloucester 2 (North)
Old PatesiansEverest RoadCheltenham, GloucestershireRelegated from Tribute South West 1 West
StroudFromehall Park4,000 Stroud, GloucestershirePromoted from Gloucester 2 (North)
TewkesburyThe MoatsTewkesbury, GloucestershirePromoted from Gloucester 2 (North)
Widden Old BoysThe Memorial GroundGloucester, Gloucestershire9th

South

Departing were Bream, Dursley, Lydney II, St Mary's Old Boys and Whitehall - all promoted to Counties 2 Gloucestershire South.
Thornbury II, Avonmouth Old Boys II and Barton Hill II were relegated to Counties 4 Gloucestershire (South).
United Bristol Hospitals withdrew from league competition ahead of the new season.
TeamGroundCapacityTown/VillagePrevious season
AretiansLittle Stoke ParkLittle Stoke, Bristol7th
Ashley Down Old BoysLockleaze Combination GroundLockleaze, Bristol5th
BishopstonBonnington WalkLockleaze, BristolPromoted from Gloucester 2 (South)
Broad PlainBristol South EndBedminster, BristolPromoted from Gloucester 2 (South)
Cotham ParkBeggar Bush LaneFailand, SomersetPromoted from Gloucester 2 (South)
Frampton Cotterell IIThe ParkFrampton Cotterell, GloucestershirePromoted from Gloucester 2 (South)
North BristolOaklandsAlmondsbury, BristolPromoted from Gloucester 2 (South)
Old Bristolians IIMemorial Playing FieldsFailand, SomersetPromoted from Gloucester 2 (South)
Old ColstoniansColton's SchoolStapleton, BristolPromoted from Gloucester 2 (South)
SouthmeadGreenway CentreSouthmead, BristolPromoted from Gloucester 2 (South)
St Brendan's Old BoysCoombe Dingle Sports ComplexCoombe Dingle, Bristol8th

Teams 2021–22

For the new season Gloucester 1 was split into North and South Divisions with the addition of several second teams from sides higher in the pyramid with twelve clubs in each division. The teams competing in 2021–22 achieved their places in the league based on performances in 2019–20, the 'previous season' column in the table below refers to that season not 2020–21.

North

TeamGroundCapacityTown/VillagePrevious season
Berry HillLakers RoadColeford, Gloucestershire10th
BrockworthMill LaneBrockworth, GloucestershirePromoted from Gloucester 2
Chosen Hill Former Pupils IIBrookfield RoadChurchdown, GloucestershireNew entry
CirencesterThe WhitewayCirencester, Gloucestershire6th
Drybrook IIMannings GroundDrybrook, GloucestershireNew entry
FairfordColn House School Playing GroundsFairford, Gloucestershire5th
Gloucester Old BoysHorton RoadGloucester, Gloucestershire8th
Gordon LeagueHempsted LaneGloucester, Gloucestershire9th
Matson IIRedwell RoadMatson, Gloucester, GloucestershireNew entry
Old Centralians IISaintbridge Sports CentreGloucester, GloucestershireNew entry
SmithsPrince of Wales Stadium3,500 Cheltenham, Gloucestershire3rd
Widden Old BoysThe Memorial GroundGloucester, GloucestershireRelegated from Gloucester Premier

South

TeamGroundCapacityTown/VillagePrevious season
AretiansLittle Stoke ParkLittle Stoke, BristolPromoted from Gloucester 2
Ashley Down Old BoysLockleaze Combination GroundLockleaze, BristolPromoted from Gloucester 2
DursleyStragglers Sports GroundStinchcombe, Dursley, Gloucestershire4th
Lydney IIRegentsholm1,500Lydney, GloucestershireNew entry
St Brendan's Old BoysCoombe Dingle Sports ComplexCoombe Dingle, Bristol7th
St Mary's Old BoysTrench LaneAlmondsbury, BristolRelegated from Gloucester Premier
Thornbury IICooper's FarmThornbury, GloucestershireNew entry
United Bristol HospitalsPortway Development GroundPortway, BristolPromoted from Gloucester 2
WhitehallFoundry LaneWhitehall, BristolRelegated from Gloucester Premier

2020–21

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020–21 season was cancelled.

Teams 2019–20

TeamGroundCapacityTown/VillagePrevious season
CirencesterThe WhitewayCirencester, Gloucestershire4th
DursleyStragglers Sports GroundStinchcombe, Dursley, Gloucestershire5th
FairfordColn House School Playing GroundsFairford, GloucestershirePromoted from Gloucester 2 North
Gloucester Old BoysHorton RoadGloucester, GloucestershireRelegated from Gloucester Premier
Gordon LeagueHempsted LaneGloucester, GloucestershireRelegated from Gloucester Premier
North BristolOaklandsAlmondsbury, Bristol8th
Old ColstoniansColton's SchoolStapleton, Bristol6th
Old CryptiansThe Memorial GroundGloucester, Gloucestershire3rd
Old ElizabethansSevern RoadHallen, Gloucestershire9th
SmithsPrince of Wales Stadium3,500 Cheltenham, Gloucestershire7th
St Brendan's Old BoysCoombe Dingle Sports ComplexCoombe Dingle, BristolPromoted from Gloucester 2 South
TewkesburyThe MoatsTewkesbury, GloucestershirePromoted from Gloucester 2 North

Teams 2018–19

TeamGroundCapacityTown/VillagePrevious season
Bredon StarBredon Playing FieldsBredon, Worcestershire8th
BrockworthMill LaneBrockworth, Gloucestershire9th
Cheltenham NorthStoke Orchard RoadBishop's Cleeve, Gloucestershire5th
CirencesterThe WhitewayCirencester, GloucestershireRelegated from Gloucester Premier
DursleyStragglers Sports GroundStinchcombe, Dursley, Gloucestershire6th
North BristolOaklandsAlmondsbury, Bristol10th
Old ColstoniansColton's SchoolStapleton, Bristol3rd
Old CryptiansThe Memorial GroundGloucester, Gloucestershire7th
Old ElizabethansSevern RoadHallen, Gloucestershire4th
Ross-on-WyeAbbotts CloseRoss-on-Wye, HerefordshirePromoted from Gloucester 2
SmithsPrince of Wales Stadium3,500 Cheltenham, GloucestershirePromoted from Gloucester 2
SouthmeadGreenway CentreSouthmead, Bristol11th

Teams 2017–18

TeamGroundCapacityTown/VillagePrevious season
Berry HillLakers RoadColeford, GloucestershireRelegated from Gloucester Premier
Bredon StarBredon Playing FieldsBredon, Worcestershire7th
BrockworthMill LaneBrockworth, Gloucestershire3rd
Cheltenham NorthStoke Orchard RoadBishop's Cleeve, GloucestershireRelegated from Gloucester Premier
DursleyStragglers Sports GroundStinchcombe, Dursley, Gloucestershire5th
North BristolOaklandsAlmondsbury, BristolRelegated from Gloucester Premier
Old ColstoniansColton's SchoolStapleton, BristolPromoted from Gloucester 2
Old CryptiansThe Memorial GroundGloucester, Gloucestershire4th
Old ElizabethansSevern RoadHallen, GloucestershirePromoted from Gloucester 2
SouthmeadGreenway CentreSouthmead, Bristol9th
St Brendan's Old BoysCoombe Dingle Sports ComplexCoombe Dingle, Bristol8th
Widden Old BoysThe Memorial GroundGloucester, Gloucestershire6th

Teams 2016–17

  • Ashley Downs Old Boys '
  • Bream '
  • Bredon Star
  • Brockworth
  • Dursley
  • Gloucester Old Boys
  • Old Cryptians
  • Southmead
  • Spartans '
  • St Brendan's Old Boys
  • Tewkesbury '
  • Widden Old Boys

Teams 2015–16

The 2015–16 Gloucester 1 consists of twelve teams from Gloucestershire and Bristol as well as one team just over the border in Worcestershire. The season starts on 12 September 2015 and is due to end on 23 April 2016. Eight of the twelve teams participated in last season's competition. The 2014–15 champions Longlevens and runners up Chipping Sodbury were promoted to the Gloucester Premier while Old Colstonians and Kingswood were relegated to Gloucester 2.
TeamGroundCapacityTown/VillagePrevious season
BishopstonBonnington WalkStoke Gifford, BristolPromoted from Gloucester 2
Bredon StarBredon Playing FieldsBredon, Worcestershire10th
BrockworthMill LaneBrockworth, Gloucestershire3rd
DursleyStragglers Sports GroundStinchcombe, Dursley, Gloucestershire5th
Gloucester Old BoysHorton RoadGloucester, Gloucestershire8th
Gordon LeagueHempsted LaneGloucester, GloucestershireRelegated from Gloucester Premier
Old CryptiansThe Memorial GroundGloucester, Gloucestershire6th
Old RichiansSandyleazeGloucester, Gloucestershire7th
PainswickBroadham FieldsPainswick, GloucestershireRelegated from Gloucester Premier
SouthmeadGreenway CentreSouthmead, Bristol9th
St Brendan's Old BoysCoombe Dingle Sports ComplexCoombe Dingle, BristolPromoted from Gloucester 2
Widden Old BoysThe Memorial GroundGloucester, Gloucestershire4th

Teams 2014–15

  • Bredon Star '
  • Brockworth
  • Chipping Sodbury
  • Dursley '
  • Gloucester Old Boys
  • Kingswood
  • Longlevens
  • Old Colstonians
  • Old Cryptians '
  • Old Richians
  • Southmead '
  • Widden Old Boys

Teams 2013–14

  • Ashley Down Old Boys '
  • Bishopston
  • Bream '
  • Brockworth
  • Chipping Sodbury
  • Gloucester Old Boys
  • Kingswood
  • Longlevens
  • Old Colstonians
  • Old Richians
  • Widden Old Boys ''''''

Teams 2012–13

  • Bishopston
  • Broad Plain
  • Brockworth
  • Cheltenham Saracens
  • Chipping Sodbury
  • Gloucester Old Boys
  • Hucclecote
  • Kingswood
  • Longlevens
  • Newent
  • Old Colstonians
  • Old Richians

Teams 2011–12

  • Ashley Down Old Boys
  • Bream
  • Brockworth
  • Cheltenham Saracens '
  • Dursley
  • Gloucester Old Boys
  • Hucclecote
  • Kingswood
  • Newent '
  • Ross-on-Wye
  • Spartans

Teams 2010–11

  • Aretians
  • Ashley Down Old Boys
  • Bishopston
  • Bream
  • Cheltenham Civil Service
  • Cotham Park
  • Dursley
  • Hucclecote
  • Kingswood
  • Longlevens
  • Painswick
  • Spartans

Teams 2009–10

  • Aretians
  • Ashley Down Old Boys
  • Bishopston
  • Bream
  • Brockworth
  • Cheltenham Civil Service
  • Chipping Sodbury
  • Dursley
  • Longlevens
  • Old Bristolians
  • Old Cryptians
  • Painswick

Teams 2008–09

  • Aretians
  • Ashley Down Old Boys
  • Bishopston
  • Brockworth
  • Cheltenham Civil Service
  • Chipping Sodbury
  • Dursley
  • Longlevens
  • Old Bristolians
  • Painswick
  • Ross-on-Wye
  • Tewkesbury

Teams 2007–08

  • Bishopston
  • Bream
  • Bristol Saracens
  • Brockworth
  • Chipping Sodbury
  • Dursley
  • Longlevens
  • Old Bristolians
  • Painswick
  • Ross-on-Wye
  • Southmead
  • Tewkesbury

Teams 2006–07

Teams 2005–06

  • Bristol Saracens
  • Bishopston
  • Bream
  • Cheltenham Civil Service
  • Chipping Sodbury
  • Cirencester
  • Frampton Cotterell
  • Old Bristolians
  • Southmead
  • Tewkesbury

Teams 2004–05

  • Ashley Down Old Boys
  • Bristol Saracens
  • Bishopston
  • Cirencester
  • Chipping Sodbury
  • Frampton Cotterell
  • Old Bristolians
  • Old Colstonians
  • Old Cryptians
  • Widden Old Boys

Teams 2003–04

  • Ashley Down Old Boys
  • Bishopston
  • Bristol Saracens
  • Brockworth
  • Cheltenham Saracens
  • Frampton Cotterell
  • Hucclecote
  • Southmead
  • Tewkesbury
  • Widden Old Boys

Teams 2002–03

  • Ashley Down Old Boys
  • Bishopston
  • Bream
  • Bristol Saracens
  • Brockworth
  • Chipping Sodbury
  • Frampton Cotterell
  • Old Bristolians
  • Southmead
  • Tewkesbury

Teams 2001–02

  • Aretians
  • Ashley Down Old Boys
  • Bream
  • Brockworth
  • Frampton Cotterell
  • Painswick
  • Old Bristolians
  • Old Cryptians
  • Tewkesbury
  • Westbury-on-Severn

Teams 2000–01

  • Ashley Down Old Boys
  • Cheltenham Civil Service
  • Cheltenham Saracens
  • Chosen Hill Former Pupils
  • Frampton Cotterell
  • Hucclecote
  • Old Bristolians
  • Old Cryptians
  • Tetbury
  • Westbury-on-Severn

Original teams

When league rugby began in 1987 this division contained the following teams:

Gloucester 1 honours

Gloucestershire 1 (1987–1991)

Originally known as Gloucestershire 1, it was a tier 9 league with promotion to Gloucestershire/Somerset and relegation to Gloucester 2.

Gloucester 1 (1991–1993)

Gloucestershire 1 was shorted to Gloucester 1 for the 1991–92 season onward. It remained a tier 9 league with promotion to Gloucestershire/Somerset and relegation to Gloucester 2.

Gloucester 1 (1993–1996)

The creation of National League 5 South for the 1993–94 season meant that Gloucester 1 dropped to become a tier 10 league. Promotion continued to Gloucestershire/Somerset and relegation to Gloucester 2.

Gloucester 1 (1996–2000)

The cancellation of National League 5 South at the end of the 1995–96 season meant that Gloucester 1 reverted to being a tier 9 league. Promotion continued to Gloucestershire/Somerset and relegation to Gloucester 2.

Gloucester 1 (2000–2009)

Gloucester 1 remained a tier 9 league despite the cancellation of Gloucestershire/Somerset at the end of the 1999–00 season. Promotion was now to the new Gloucester Premier, while relegation continued to Gloucester 2. Between 2007 and 2009 Gloucester 1 was sponsored by High Bridge Jewellers.

Gloucester 1 (2009–2017)

Despite widespread restructuring by the RFU at the end of the 2008–09 season, Gloucester 1 remained a tier 9 league, with promotion continuing to Gloucester Premier and relegation to Gloucester 2.

Gloucester 1 (2017–present)

Gloucester 1 remained a tier 9 league with promotion continuing to Gloucester Premier, while relegation was now to either Gloucester 2 North or Gloucester 2 South. The league was now sponsored by Wadworth 6x.

Number of league titles