The 1999âÂÂ00 Premiership 1 was the thirteenth season of the first tier of the English league system, currently known a Premiership Rugby, and the third and final to be sponsored by Allied Dunbar, having previous been sponsored by Courage Brewery. Leicester Tigers were defending champions and Bristol the promoted side. The league was reduced from fourteen teams to twelve following London Scottish and Richmond both entering administration.
At the end of the season Leicester Tigers finished as champions, retaining their title (and fourth overall). Bottom side Bedford were relegated to the 2000âÂÂ01 National Division One (formerly Premiership 2) after losing the promotion-relegation playoff against Premiership 2 champions Rotherham.
Each side played one another twice, in a round robin system, home and away, to make a total of twenty-two matches for each team. The bottom side would play a two legged promotion-relegation playoff against the Premiership 2 league champion to decide who be in the division for the following season.
The season began on 10 September 1999.
Points increased from 2 to 3 for a win after the World Cup in November 1999. This was an attempt to ensure competitive balance in the leagues for teams while they were without their international players.
12th place Bedford faced 1999âÂÂ00 Premiership 2 champions Rotherham in a two legged playoff to see who was promoted or relegated.
Note: Flags to the left of player names indicate national team as has been defined under World Rugby eligibility rules, or primary nationality for players who did not earn international senior caps. Players may hold one or more non-WR nationalities.
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