Counties 3 Midlands East (South)
Counties 3 Midlands East / area level 9 English Rugby Union leagues and level 4 of the [English Rugby, Warwickshire|Rugby Union Midland Division|Midlands League], made up of teams from the southern part of the East Midlands region including clubs from Bedfordshire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Lincolnshire and occasionally Cambridgeshire, all of whom play home and away matches throughout the season. Each year, some of the clubs in this division also take part in the RFU Junior Vase – a level 9–12 national competition.
Formed for the 2006-07 season, the division was originally known as Midlands 5 East but changed to its present name for the 2008-09 season due to league restructuring. Further restructuring of the Midlands leagues ahead of the 2009–10 season, saw it changed to Midlands 4 East and post the RFU's Adult Competition Review, from season 2022–23 it adopted its current name. From 2023–24 the league was split into South and Central divisions.
Promoted teams move up to Counties 2 Midlands East (South) and since Midlands 5 East (South) was abolished, there has been no relegation.
2025–26
Ahead of the new season the Central league was rebranded South and the South league rebranded South.South North
Departing were West Bridgford II, promoted to Counties 2 Midlands East (South).The rest of the teams in the previous season's league were level transferred with Long Eaton II, Castle Donington, Leesbrook, Melbourne II, Nottinghamians all moving to the Counties 3 Midlands East (North West) division; while Bingham and Southwell II moved to the Counties 3 Midlands East (North East) division.
Ilkeston II, Mellish II and Nottingham Moderns II did not return for the new season.
| Team | Ground | Capacity | City/Area | Previous season |
| Aylestone Athletic | Victoria Road | Leicester, Leicestershire | Level transfer from South | |
| Birstall | Co-Op Sports Ground | Birstall, Leicestershire | Relegated from Counties 2 Midlands East (North) | |
| Leicester Lions III | Westleigh Park | 2,000 | Blaby, Leicestershire | New entry |
| Market Harborough II | The Rugby Ground | Market Harborough, Leicestershire | New entry | |
| Oakham | Rutland Showground | Oakham, Rutland | Relegated from Counties 2 Midlands East (South) | |
| Rugby St Andrews | Ashlawn Road | Rugby, Warwickshire | Relegated from Counties 2 Midlands East (South) | |
| Rugby Welsh | Alwyn Road | Rugby, Warwickshire | Level transfer from South | |
| Sileby | Platts Lane | Cossington, Leicestershire | Level transfer from South | |
| South Leicester | Welford Road Ground | Leicester, Leicestershire | Level transfer from South | |
| Stamford College Old Boys | Stamford Welland Academy | Stamford, Lincolnshire | Level transfer from South | |
| Syston III | Barkby Road | Queniborough, Leicestershire | New entry | |
| Vipers II | Vipers Ground | Whetstone, Leicestershire | New entry |
South South
Departing were Leighton Buzzard and Rugby Lions, both promoted to Counties 2 Midlands East (South) while Luton were promoted to the newly re-branded Counties 2 Hertfordshire.Also leaving on a level transfer to the South division were Aylestone Athletic, Rugby Welsh, Sielby, South Leicester and Stamford College Old Boys.
Deepings and Northampton Men's Own did not return for the new season.
Bedford Queens were initially placed in the league but withdrew before the season began. Similarly Northampton BBOB were relegated from Counties 2 Midlands East (South) into this league but also withdrew before the season began.
| Team | Ground | Capacity | City/Area | Previous season |
| Ampthill IV | Dillingham Park | 3,000 | Ampthill, Bedfordshire | New entry |
| Bedford Athletic II | Putnoe Woods | 500 | Bedford, Bedfordshire | Relegated from Counties 2 Eastern Counties |
| Daventry II | Daventry & District Sports Club | Daventry, Northamptonshire | New entry | |
| Kettering II | Waverley Road | Kettering, Northamptonshire | New entry | |
| Old Northamptonians II | Sir Humphrey Cripps Pavilion | Northampton, Northamptonshire | New entry | |
| Olney II | East Street | Olney, Buckinghamshire | New entry |
2024–25
Central
Departing were Keyworth, promoted to Counties 2 Midlands East (South) together with Asbourne II, North Hykeham, Paviors II, Rolls-Royce and Sleaford who all returned to the Counties 3 Midlands East (North) East and West divisions.Joining were Bingham, Castle Donington, Ilkeston II, Leesbrook and Nottingham Moderns II.
Spalding II started but did not complete the season withdrawing to leave the remaining eleven sides to contest the remaining fixtures.
| Team | Ground | Capacity | City/Area | Previous season |
| Bingham | The Pavilion | Bingham, Nottinghamshire | Re-entry | |
| Castle Donington | Spital Park Pavilion | Castle Donington, Derbyshire | Level transfer from Counties 3 Midlands East | |
| Ilkeston II | The Stute | Ilkeston, Derbyshire | New entry | |
| Leesbrook | Asterdale Sports Centre | Spondon, Derby, Derbyshire | Re-entry | |
| Long Eaton II | West Park | 1,000 | Long Eaton, Derbyshire | 6th |
| Melbourne II | Cockshut Lane | 2,000 | Melbourne, Derbyshire | 4th |
| Mellish II | War Memorial Ground | Arnold, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire | 12th | |
| Nottinghamians | Adbolton Lane | Holme Pierrepont, Nottinghamshire | 11th | |
| Nottingham Moderns II | Ferryfields | Wilford, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire | New entry | |
| Southwell II | Pentelowes | Southwell, Nottinghamshire | 9th | |
| West Bridgford II | The Memorial Ground | West Bridgford, Nottinghamshire | 2nd |
South
Departing were Northampton BBOB and Rugby St Andrews, both promoted to Counties 2 Midlands East (South). Castle Donington left on a level transfer to Counties 3 Midlands East.Joining were Luton and Bedford Queens, both relegated into the league together with Aylestone Athletic, a re-entry, and Leighton Buzzard who had withdrawn from Regional 2 Thames mid-way through the previous season.
| Team | Ground | Capacity | City/Area | Previous season |
| Aylestone Athletic | Victoria Road | Leicester, Leicestershire | Re-entry | |
| Bedford Queens | Putnoe Woods | 500 | Bedford, Bedfordshire | Relegated from Counties 2 Midlands East (South) |
| Deepings | Spalding Road | Deeping St James, Lincolnshire | 10th | |
| Leighton Buzzard | Wright's Meadow | Leighton Buzzard, Buckinghamshire | Re-entry | |
| Luton | Newlands Road | Luton, Bedfordshire | Relegated from Counties 2 Midlands East (South) | |
| Northampton Men's Own | Stoke Road | Ashton, Northamptonshire | 5th | |
| Rugby Lions | Webb Ellis Road | 3,200 | Rugby, Warwickshire | 7th |
| Rugby Welsh | Alwyn Road | Rugby, Warwickshire | 3rd | |
| Sileby | Platts Lane | Cossington, Leicestershire | 6th | |
| South Leicester | Welford Road Ground | Leicester, Leicestershire | 9th | |
| Stamford College Old Boys | Stamford Welland Academy | Stamford, Lincolnshire | 8th |
2023–24
Ahead of the new season a new Central division was introduced.Central
This newly created league was formed in the majority of sides on a level transfer from Counties 3 Midlands East (North) East and West divisions plus the addition of Melllish 2XV.South
Departing were Bedford Swifts and Brackley, both promoted to Counties 2 Midlands East (South). Thorley were relegated into the Cambridgeshire reserve leagues.Joining were Castle Donington, Northampton BBOB, Northampton Men's Own, Rugby St Andrews, Rugby Welsh and Sielby.
| Team | Ground | Capacity | City/Area | Previous season |
| Castle Donington | Spital Park Pavilion | Castle Donington, Derbyshire | Re-entry | |
| Deepings | Spalding Road | Deeping St James, Lincolnshire | 6th | |
| Northampton BBOB | Saint Andrew's Road | Northampton, Northamptonshire | Relegated from Counties 2 Midlands East (South) | |
| Northampton Men's Own | Stoke Road | Ashton, Northamptonshire | Relegated from Counties 2 Midlands East (South) | |
| Rugby Lions | Webb Ellis Road | 3,200 | Rugby, Warwickshire | 3rd |
| Rugby St Andrews | Ashlawn Road | Rugby, Warwickshire | Relegated from Counties 2 Midlands West (East) | |
| Rugby Welsh | Alwyn Road | Rugby, Warwickshire | Level transfer from Counties 3 Midlands West (South) | |
| Sileby | Platts Lane | Cossington, Leicestershire | Relegated from Counties 2 Midlands East (South) | |
| South Leicester | Welford Road Ground | Leicester, Leicestershire | 4th | |
| Stamford College Old Boys | Stamford Welland Academy | Stamford, Lincolnshire | 5th |
2022–23
Departing were Biggleswade, St Neots and Northampton BBOB, all promoted to Counties 2 Midlands East (South).Joining were Rugby Lions.
| Team | Ground | Capacity | City/Area | Previous season |
| Bedford Swifts | International Athletics Stadium | Bedford, Bedfordshire | 4th | |
| Brackley | Nightingale Close | Brackley, Northamptonshire | 5th | |
| Deepings | Spalding Road | Deeping St James, Lincolnshire | 7th | |
| Rugby Lions | Webb Ellis Road | 3,200 | Rugby, Warwickshire | Re-entry |
| South Leicester | Welford Road Ground | Leicester, Leicestershire | 8th | |
| Stamford College Old Boys | Stamford Welland Academy | Stamford, Lincolnshire | 6th | |
| Thorney | Ron Jacobs Playing Fields | Thorney, Cambridgeshire | 9th |
2021–22
Participating teams and locations
Kempston, who finished 11th in 2019-20, and Wellingborough Old Grammarians, who finished 12th in 2019-20, did not return for the current season.Joining the league are South Leicester who withdrew from Midlands Premier in season 2019-20.
Aylestone St James withdrew from the league midway through the season leaving it with nine teams.
| Team | Ground | Capacity | City/Area | Previous season |
| Aylestone St James | Covert Lane | Scraptoft, Leicester, Leicestershire | 8th | |
| Bedford Swifts | International Athletics Stadium | Bedford, Bedfordshire | 3rd | |
| Biggleswade | Langford Road | Biggleswade, Bedfordshire | 5th | |
| Brackley | Nightingale Close | Brackley, Northamptonshire | 6th | |
| Deepings | Spalding Road | Deeping St James, Lincolnshire | 7th | |
| Northampton BBOB | Saint Andrew's Road | Northampton, Northamptonshire | Relegated from Midlands 3 East (South) | |
| South Leicester | Welford Road Ground | Leicester, Leicestershire | New entry | |
| Stamford College Old Boys | Stamford Welland Academy | Stamford, Lincolnshire | 4th | |
| St Neots | The Common | St Neots, Cambridgeshire | Relegated from Midlands 3 East (South) | |
| Thorney | Ron Jacobs Playing Fields | Thorney, Cambridgeshire | 9th |
2020–21
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020–21 season was cancelled.2019–20
Participating teams and locations
| Team | Ground | Capacity | City/Area | Previous season |
| Aylestone St James | Covert Lane | Scraptoft, Leicester, Leicestershire | 6th | |
| Bedford Swifts | International Athletics Stadium | Bedford, Bedfordshire | 5th | |
| Biggleswade | Langford Road | Biggleswade, Bedfordshire | Relegated from Midlands 3 ES | |
| Birstall | Co-Op Sports Ground | Birstall, Leicestershire | Relegated from Midlands 3 ES | |
| Brackley | Nightingale Close | Brackley, Northamptonshire | 4th | |
| Deepings | Spalding Road | Deeping St James, Lincolnshire | 7th | |
| Kempston | Cutler Hammer | Kempston, Bedfordshire | 11th | |
| Northampton Men's Own | Stoke Road | Ashton, Northamptonshire | 3rd | |
| Stamford College Old Boys | Stamford Welland Academy | Stamford, Lincolnshire | 9th | |
| Thorney | Ron Jacobs Playing Fields | Thorney, Cambridgeshire | 10th | |
| Wellingborough Old Grammarians | The Memorial Sports Ground | Wellingborough, Northamptonshire | 8th |
2018–19
Participating teams and locations
| Team | Ground | Capacity | City/Area | Previous season |
| Aylestone St James | Covert Lane | Scraptoft, Leicester, Leicestershire | 7th | |
| Bedford Swifts | International Athletics Stadium | Bedford, Bedfordshire | 3rd | |
| Brackley | Nightingale Close | Brackley, Northamptonshire | 6th | |
| Deepings | Spalding Road | Deeping St James, Lincolnshire | 5th | |
| Kempston | Cutler Hammer | Kempston, Bedfordshire | Promoted from East Midlands Merit League | |
| Northampton BBOB | Saint Andrew's Road | Northampton, Northamptonshire | Relegated from Midlands 3 East (South) | |
| Northampton Men's Own | Stoke Road | Ashton, Northamptonshire | Relegated from Midlands 3 East (South) | |
| Sileby Town | Platts Lane | Cossington, Leicestershire | Relegated from Midlands 3 East (North) | |
| Stamford College Old Boys | Stamford Welland Academy | Stamford, Lincolnshire | 9th | |
| Thorney | Ron Jacobs Playing Fields | Thorney, Cambridgeshire | 8th | |
| Wellingborough Old Grammarians | The Memorial Sports Ground | Wellingborough, Northamptonshire | 4th |
2017–18
Participating teams and locations
| Team | Ground | Capacity | City/Area | Previous season |
| Aylestone St James | Covert Lane | Scraptoft, Leicester, Leicestershire | Relegated from Midlands 3 East (South) | |
| Bedford Swifts | International Athletics Stadium | Bedford, Bedfordshire | 9th | |
| Bourne | Milking Nook Drove | Bourne, Lincolnshire | 5th | |
| Brackley | Nightingale Close | Brackley, Northamptonshire | 6th | |
| Deepings | Spalding Road | Deeping St James, Lincolnshire | 3rd | |
| St Neots | The Common | St Neots, Cambridgeshire | Relegated from Midlands 3 East (South) | |
| Stamford College Old Boys | Stamford Welland Academy | Stamford, Lincolnshire | 4th | |
| Thorney | Ron Jacobs Playing Fields | Thorney, Cambridgeshire | 7th | |
| Wellingborough Old Grammarians | The Memorial Sports Ground | Wellingborough, Northamptonshire | 8th |
Teams 2016–17
- Bedford Queens
- Bedford Swifts
- Bourne
- Brackley
- Deepings
- Old Newtonians
- Sileby Town
- Stamford College Old Boys
- Thorney
- Wellingborough Old Grammarians
Teams 2015–16
- Bedford Queens '
- Bedford Swifts
- Birstall
- Bourne
- Brackley
- Deepings
- Northampton Men's Own '
- Sileby Town
- Stamford College Old Boys
- Thorney
- Wellingborough Old Grammarians
Teams 2014–15
- Bedford Swifts
- Bourne
- Brackley '
- Corby
- Deepings '
- Kempston
- Old Newtonians
- Sileby Town
- St Neots
- Stamford College Old Boys
- Thorney
- Westwood
Teams 2013–14
- Aylestone Athletic
- Bedford Swifts
- Bourne
- Corby
- Kempston
- Long Buckby '
- Old Newtonians '
- Oundale
- St Neots
- Stamford College Old Boys
- Thorney
- Westwood
Teams 2012–13
- Aylestone Athletic
- Bedford Swifts
- Bourne
- Brackley
- Corby
- Oundale
- St Ives
- St Neots
- Stamford College Old Boys
- Thorney
- Wellingborough Old Grammarians
- Westwood
Teams 2008–09
- Ashfield
- Bedford Swifts
- Brackley
- Bugbrooke
- Daventry
- Deepings
- Long Buckby
- Market Harborough
- Northampton Casuals
- Northampton Men's Own
- Peterborough Lions
- Rugby St Andrews
- Vauxhall Motors
Original teams
When this division was introduced in 2006 as Midlands 5 East, it contained the following teams:- Aylestone St James - promoted from East Midlands/South Leicestershire 2
- Bedford Queens - transferred from East Midlands/South Leicestershire 1
- Bedford Swifts - transferred from East Midlands/South Leicestershire 1
- Kempston - promoted from East Midlands/South Leicestershire 2
- Market Harborough - transferred from East Midlands/South Leicestershire 1
- Oundle - transferred from East Midlands/South Leicestershire 1
- St Ives (Midlands) - transferred from East Midlands/South Leicestershire 1
- Stamford - transferred from Notts, Lincs & Derbyshire/North Leicestershire
- Stoneygate - relegated from Midlands 4 East (South)
- Wellingborough Old Grammarians - transferred from East Midlands/South Leicestershire 1