Counties 5 Kent (formerly Kent 3) is an English Rugby Union league that is the lowest RFU league for clubs in south-east London and Kent. Promoted teams go up to Counties 4 Kent and relegation is to the Kent RFU merit leagues.
Dwindling numbers of teams meant that Kent 3 folded at the end of the 2007âÂÂ08 season, with all sides automatically promoted to what was then Kent 2. However, following a 15 year hiatus, and after the RFU's Adult Competition Review in 2022 - and the decision by Kent Rugby to allow reserve teams to participate in county leagues - from season 2023âÂÂ24 it was resurrected and adopted its current name Counties 5 Kent.
Departing were East Peckham & Paddock Wood, Sevenoaks III and Beckenham III, all promoted to Counties 4 Kent.
Ashford II (11th) did not return for the new season.
Greenwich (10th in 2024-25) withdrew from the league in early 2026 leaving 11 clubs to contest the outstanding fixtures.
Departing were Canterbury III, Bromley II and Old Colfeians II, all promoted to Counties 4 Kent.
Joining were Lordswood, relegated from Counties 4 Kent and Sidcup III who finished 9th in Counties 4 Kent but elected to be relegated and in doing so gave Footscray (11th) a reprieve in the league above. New entries to the league were Beckenham III, Park House II, Old Alleynians III and East Peckham & Paddock Wood.
League not contested
When league rugby began in 1987 this division contained the following teams: