Counties 2 Devon (formerly Devon League 1) is an English level eight rugby union league for clubs primarily based in Devon (and occasionally includes one Cornish club â St Columba & Torpoint). The champions are promoted to Counties 1 Western West and relegation is to Counties 3 Devon North & East or Counties 3 Devon South & West.
The season runs from September to April and comprises twenty-six rounds of matches, with each club playing each of its rivals, home and away. The results of the matches contribute points to the league as follows:
The top two teams are promoted to Western Counties West and the bottom three teams are relegated to either Cornwall One or Devon One depending on their location.
Departing were Torquay Athletic promoted to Counties 1 Western West while Exmouth II (10th) were relegated to Counties 3 Devon North & East together with Tamar Saracens (11th) and Plymouth Argaum, both relegated to Counties 3 Devon South & West.
Departing were Barnstaple II, promoted to Counties 1 Western West. North Tawton (11th) and Ivybridge II (12th) and were relegated to Counties 3 Devon North & East and Counties 3 Devon South & West respectively.
Joining were Topsham 2XV and Dartmouth, promoted from Counties 3 Devon North & East and Counties 3 Devon South & West respectively.
Departing were Tavistock, promoted to Counties 1 Western West whilst Brixham II were relegated to Counties 3 Devon South & West. Joining were Old Plymothian & Mannamedian and Plymouth Argaum, promoted from Counties 3 Devon East and Counties 3 Devon West respectively.
This was the first season following the RFU Adult Competition Review (ACR). The league was a continuation of Devon League 1 in name only with just the top two sides included in the new line-up of clubs. It was closer in standard to the Cornwall/Devon League (both being level 8) with four teams who played in that league the previous season included while the Cornish teams were allocated to Counties 2 Cornwall. Post ACR second-team club sides were permitted to enter the RFU pyramid so five 2XVs joined alongside Honiton relegated from Western Counties West.
Due to the ongoing pandemic, the 2020âÂÂ21 season was cancelled.
Each season, the runners-up of Cornwall 1 and Devon 1, usually participate in a play-off for promotion to Cornwall/Devon. Newquay Hornets declined to play the match and Torrington were promoted.
Each season, the runners-up of Cornwall 1 and Devon 1, usually participate in a play-off for promotion to Cornwall/Devon. Camborne School of Mines were due to play Topsham, but it appears that Camborne School of Mines conceded.
Plymouth Argaum are the champions and they are promoted to Cornwall/Devon for season 2015âÂÂ16. The runner-up, Plymstock Albion Oaks won the play-off match against Veor 47 â 3 to also win promotion. The last two teams Old Technicians (8th) and Torrington (9th) are relegated (subject to confirmation) to Devon 2.
Each season, the runners-up of Cornwall 1 and Devon 1, participate in a play-off for promotion to Cornwall/Devon. Plymouth Albion Oaks beat the home team Veor 47 â 3.
The 2013âÂÂ14 Devon 1 consisted of nine clubs; eight from Devon and one from Cornwall. The season started on 7 September 2013 and ended on 5 April 2014 with each team playing each of the other teams twice. South Molton finished in first place and were promoted to Cornwall/Devon, while the runner-up, Totnes, lost to the second team in Cornwall 1, Bodmin, in a play-off and stay in this league. The bottom team, Salcombe, were relegated to Devon 2.
When league rugby began in 1987 this division contained the following teams:
The original Devon 1 (sponsored by Courage) was a tier 9 league with promotion to Cornwall/Devon and relegation to Devon 2.
The creation of National 5 South for the 1993âÂÂ94 season meant that Devon 1 became a tier 10 league. Promotion continued to Cornwall/Devon and relegation to Devon 2. The league continued to be sponsored by Courage.
The cancellation of National 5 South at the end of the 1995âÂÂ96 season saw Devon League 1 return to being a tier 9 division. Promotion continued to Cornwall/Devon and relegation to Devon 2. From the 2008âÂÂ09 season onward the league sponsor was Tribute.
Despite widespread league restructuring by the RFU, Devon 1 continued as a tier 9 division, with promotion to Cornwall/Devon and relegation to Devon 2. Tribute continued to sponsor the league.
From the 2018âÂÂ19 Devon 1 continued as a tier 9 division, with promotion to Cornwall/Devon. However, the cancellation of Devon 2 meant there was no longer relegation. Tribute continues to sponsor the league
Since the 2000âÂÂ01 season there has been a play-off between the runners-up of Cornwall League 1 and Devon League 1 for the third and final promotion place to Cornwall/Devon. The team with the superior league record has home advantage in the tie. At the end of the 2019âÂÂ20 season the Devon League 1 teams have been the most successful with thirteen wins to the Cornwall League 1 teams five; and the home team has won promotion on twelve occasions compared to the away teams six.