2004–05 National Division One
rugby union competition in England
The 2004–05 National Division One was the 18th full season of rugby union within the second tier of the English league system, currently known as the RFU Championship. New teams to the division included Rotherham Titans who were demoted from the 2003–04 Zurich Premiership while Sedgley Park and Nottingham were promoted from the 2003–04 National Division Two. Rotherham almost went into liquidation and dropped out of the leagues following their relegation from the Premiership but were saved by a local consortium which enabled them to continue playing in National One. As well as new teams Coventry had a new ground, moving from Coundon Road to the smaller but more modern Butts Park Arena.
By the end of the season, after two seasons spent in the division, Bristol Shoguns became champions and were promoted back to the Guinness Premiership for season 2005–06. Exeter Chiefs were runners–up, and Orrell (last seasons runners–up) along with Henley were relegated to the 2005–06 National Division Two.
Participating teams
Table
Results
Round 1
Postponed. Game rescheduled to 12 February 2005.
Round 2
Round 3
Round 4
Round 5
Round 6
Round 7
Despite earlier winning the game 22-15 Coventry were in breach of RFU principal regulation 11.4 and the Titans were awarded the win.
Round 8
Postponed.
“2004–05 National Division One” enters the record as rugby union competition in England. Crown Archives preserves that source wording while asking what National, Division and rugby can confirm, complicate or overturn.
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