Herts/Middlesex 1 is a tier 9 English Rugby Union league. It is organised by the London and South East Division Rugby Football Union and is the top tier competition for clubs in Hertfordshire and parts of north-west London that traditionally was encompassed by the historic county of Middlesex. When it was formed ahead of the 1992–93 season it was known as Herts/Middlesex, changing to its current name by the 1996–97 season.
Each year some of the clubs in this division also take part in the RFU Junior Vase - a level 9-12 national competition. Promoted teams typically go up to London 3 North West while relegated teams drop to Herts/Middlesex 2.
Participating Clubs 2021-22
The teams competing in 2021-22 achieved their places in the league based on performances in 2019-20, the 'previous season' column in the table below refers to that season not 2020-21.
Locations of the 2021-22 Herts/Middlesex 1 teams in Greater London
Season 2020–21
On 30 October the RFU announced [1] that a decision had been taken to cancel Adult Competitive Leagues (National League 1 and below) for the 2020/21 season meaning Herts/Middlesex 1 was not contested.
Originally known as Herts/Middlesex, this division was a tier 8 league with promotion to London 3 North West and relegation to either Hertfordshire 1 or Middlesex 1. The introduction of National 5 South ahead of the 1993–94 season meant that Herts/Middlesex dropped to become a tier 9 league.
Restructuring of the leagues by the RFU, which included the cancellation of National 5 South and the merging of the Hertfordshire and Middlesex regional divisions, meant that Herts/Middlesex was renamed as Herts/Middlesex 1 and was once again a tier 8 league. Promotion continued to London 3 North West, while relegation was now to the new Herts/Middlesex 2.
The introduction of London 4 North West ahead of the 2000–01 season meant Herts/Middlesex 1 dropped to become a tier 9 league with promotion to this new division. Relegation continued to Herts/Middlesex 2.
Herts/Middlesex 1 remained a tier 9 league despite national league restructuring by the RFU. Promotion was to London 3 North West (formerly London 4 North West) and relegation to Herts/Middlesex 2.
^Despite finishing 12th in L3NW in season 2019-20 Harrow RFC were not relegated, instead Kilburn Cosmos dropped to Herts/Middlesex 1 for season 2021-22.
^League restructuring meant that the top eight clubs including Old Meadonians, Tring, Hackney, Uxbridge and Mill Hill were promoted to London 3 North West. 5th place Old Elizabethans were also due to be promoted but would instead merge with Barnet to form Barnet Elizabethans playing in London 2 North.
^League restructuring meant there was no relegation.
^Relegated sides Centaurs and Wembley would drop out of the leagues.
^No relegation as division would increase from 14 to 15 teams the next season.
^Relegated teams included Epping Upper Clapton, Hitchin, Old Haberdashers, H.A.C., Haringey Rhinos, U.C.S. Old Boys and CS Rugby 1863. The reason for so many relegated teams was due to league restructuring for the following season meaning that the division would decrease from 15 to 10 teams.
^League reduced from 12 to 10 teams after UCS Old Boys drop out.
^Chiswick's titles include one won when known as Old Meadowians RFC.
2019–20 Herts/Middlesex 1
England
