The 1996–97 National Division 4 South was the tenth full season of rugby union within the fourth tier of the English league system, currently known as National League 2 South, and the last using the name National Division 4 South. Changes to the league structure by the RFU at the start of the season saw National Division 4 revert back to two regional divisions, while was split back into regional leagues - North 1, Midlands 1, London 1 and South West 1. This meant that National Division 4 South increased from 10 to 14 teams with multiple teams coming up from the discontinued Division 5.