Counties 1 Essex is an English level 7 rugby union regional league for rugby clubs in London and the south-east of England including sides from Essex and Greater London. Administration of the leagues is divided between Essex Rugby and the London & SE RFU.
Braintree are the current champions.
The twelve teams play home and away matches from September through to April, making a total of twenty-two matches each. The results of the matches contribute points to the league as follows:
In addition:
There is one automatic promotion place and two relegation places. The first-placed team at the end of season wins promotion to Regional 2 Anglia. The last two placed clubs are typically relegated to Counties 2 Essex.
Departing were Braintree, promoted to Regional 2 Anglia while Burnham-on-Crouch (11th) and Basildon (12th) were relegated to Counties 2 Essex.
Departing were Wanstead, promoted to Regional 2 Anglia and Stanford-le-Hope relegated to Counties 2 Essex. In their place came Burnham-on-Crouch (promoted from Counties 2 Essex (North)) and Basildon (promoted from Counties 2 Essex (South)).
Departing were Dagenham and Harlow, promoted to Regional 2 Anglia, and South Woodham Ferrers relegated to Counties 2 Essex (North). In their place came Chingford (relegated from Regional 2 Anglia, Stanford-le-Hope and Maldon promoted from Counties 2 Essex.
This was the first season following the RFU Adult Competition Review. The league was substantially similar to London 3 Essex with the teams finishing 1stâÂÂ10th returning. Kings Cross Steelers and Canvey Island, who finished 11th and 12th respectively, were placed in Counties 2 Essex. The line-up was supplemented by the addition of Wanstead and South Woodham Ferrers (who finished 10th and 12th in London 2 North East respectively).
Following the RFU Adult Competition Review, ten teams were transferred from London 3 Essex (a level eight league) to Counties 1 Essex.a level seven league. Promotion is to Regional 2 Anglia and relegation to Counties 2 Essex