Sussex 3


Sussex 3 is an English level 11 Rugby Union League. It is run by the Sussex Rugby Football Union and was originally for teams predominantly from West Sussex until a division reorganization for the 2016-17 meant that clubs from East Sussex would also take part. Promoted teams move up to Sussex 2 while relegated teams drop down to either Sussex Asahi Division 4 East or Sussex Late Red Division 4 West depending on geography. Sussex Oranjeboom 2 West was introduced in 2010–11 and is the equivalent to former division Sussex 3 which had its last season in 2003–04. It changed to its current name of Sussex Oranjeboom Division 3 in 2016–17.

Original teams

When league rugby began in 1987 this division contained the following teams:
  • Arun
  • Brighton Polytechnic
  • Ditchling
  • Sunallon
  • Midhurst
  • Newick
  • Pulborough
  • Robin Hood

Sussex 3 honours

Sussex 3 (1987–1992)

The original Sussex 3 was a tier 10 league with promotion up to Sussex 1 and there was no relegation down as it was the lowest level of the league system. The division was cancelled at the end of the 1991–92 season.

Sussex 3 (1994-1996)

After an absence of two years, Sussex 3 was reintroduced for the 1994–95 season as a tier 11 league. Promotion was to Sussex 2 and there was no relegation due to Sussex 3 being the lowest level in the league system.

Sussex 3 (1996-2000)

The cancellation of National 5 South at the end of the 1995–96 season meant that Sussex 3 reverted to being a tier 10 league. Promotion continued to Sussex 2 and there was no relegation. Sussex 3 was cancelled for the second time at the end of the 1999–00 season, with the majority of teams transferred into the new Sussex 2 East or Sussex 2 West.

Sussex 3 (2002-2004)

After an absence of two years, Sussex 3 returned for the 2002–03 season, now as a tier 11 league. Promotion was to Sussex 2 and there was no relegation. After just two seasons, Sussex 3 was cancelled for the third time in its history.

Sussex 2 East / Sussex 2 West (2010–2016)

Sussex 3 was reintroduced for the 2010–11 season in the form of two regional divisions - Sussex "Asahi" 2 East and Sussex "Oranjeboom" 2 West - both sitting at tier 11 of the league system. Promotion was to Sussex Canterbury Jack Intermediate and relegation to either Sussex 3 East or Sussex 3 West.

Sussex 3 (2016–onward)

For the 2016–17 season, Sussex 3 was remerged back into a single division at tier 11 of the league system. Promotion was to Sussex 2 and relegation to Sussex 4.

Number of league titles

  • Ditchling
  • Old Brightonian
  • Rye
  • Uckfield II
  • BA Wingspan
  • Barns Green
  • Bognor II
  • Chichester IHE
  • East Grinstead III
  • Eastbourne II
  • Hellingly
  • Horley
  • Horsham II
  • Midhurst
  • Newick
  • Plumpton
  • Pulborough
  • Pulborough II
  • Shoreham
  • Sunallon
  • Sussex Police