In 2012, the new division was formed from the restructuring of the
Welsh Premier Division. The Premier Division was 'slimmed down' to 12 teams with
Pontypool RFC and
Tonmawr RFC relegated from the division. Tonmawr had already made the decision to opt out of the new league and would start the 2012–13 season in Division Six. The National Championship is the third tier, which lies below the second tier
Welsh Premier Division in
Welsh club rugby. Above Welsh club rugby sides are the four regions, the Scarlets, Ospreys, Cardiff Blues, and Dragons, as part of
regional rugby, who instead compete in the
United Rugby Championship.
Restructuring process The teams for the league would be decided on three factors. Firstly, the holding of an 'A Licence' based on stadium criteria. The signing of a 'Participation Agreement' and judged on league results over the previous six seasons. It was originally decided that the Premiership would reduce in size to ten teams. It was announced that four clubs, Pontypool, Tonmwar,
Bridgend Ravens and
Carmarthen Quins RFC had not achieved the required criteria to be included into the new league. However, pressure from
Ospreys and
Scarlets backers led to the league being extended to 12 teams with Bridgend and Carmarthen included. Tonmawr, citing financial reasons, opted not to take part in the new league at all and re-entered themselves into Division Six.
2012 Pontypool legal challenge The new league came under scrutiny in 2012 when
Pontypool RFC launched a legal challenge to avoid being the only club relegated to the new division, which they ultimately lost on the grounds of 'meritocracy'. Pontypool had finished 12th in the previous campaign, above rivals
Bedwas RFC and level on points with historic rivals
Newport RFC. == 2025–26 season ==