Counties 3 Kent

{{Short description|English rugby union league}} {{Use dmy dates|date=May 2015}} {{Use British English|date=May 2015}} {{Infobox rugby league football competition |name = Counties 3 Kent |current_season = 2024-25 Counties 3 Kent | logo = |sport = Rugby union |teams = 10 |country = {{ENG}} |founded = {{Start date and age|1987}} |champion = |season = |most_champs = Park House |count = 4 | website = [http://www.englandrugby.com/fixtures-and-results/competitions/london-se-division/2016-2017/group/21326 englandrugby.com] }}

'''Counties 3 Kent''' (formerly Kent 1 known as Shepherd Neame Kent 1 for sponsorship reasons) is an English level 9 Rugby Union League<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Kent RFU|title=League Make up|url=http://www.kentrugby.org/5_rfu_rfuw_leaglinks.html|access-date=9 July 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100701140607/http://www.kentrugby.org/5_rfu_rfuw_leaglinks.html|archive-date=1 July 2010|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> and is made up of teams predominantly from south-east London and Kent. The teams play home and away matches from September through to April. The league champions move up to Counties 2 Kent. Relegated teams drop down to Counties 4 Kent. Following the RFU's Adult Competition Review, from season 2022-23 it adopted its current name '''Counties 3 Kent'''.

Each year some of the clubs in this division also take part in the RFU Junior Vase - a level 9-12 national competition.

==Teams for 2025–26==

Departing were Tonbridge Juddians II and Beckenham II, both promoted to Counties 2 Kent.

Old Dunstonians (9th in 2024-25) withdrew before the season started.<ref>{{cite web| title=Statement from Jeremy Scott Club Chair|url=https://www.odrfc.co.uk/news/statement-from-jeremy-scott-club-chair-2939463.html|publisher=Old Dunstonians|date=16 September 2025}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable sortable" width=100% |- !Team !Ground !Capacity !City/Area !Previous season |- | Brockleians || Civil Service Sports Ground || || Eltham, London || 4th |- | Canterbury III || Marine Travel Ground || 1,500 (75 seats) || Canterbury, Kent || Promoted from Counties 4 Kent (champions) |- | Dartford Valley || Leigh Academy || || Dartford, Kent || Relegated from Counties 2 Kent (12th) |- | Gravesend II || Rectory Field || || Gravesend, Kent || 11th |- | Hastings & Bexhill || William Parker Lower School || || Hastings, East Sussex || 3rd |- | New Ash Green || New Ash Green Sports Pavilion || || New Ash Green, Kent || 10th |- | Old Gravesendians || Fleetway Sports Ground || || Gravesend, Kent || 8th |- | Old Williamsonians || Sir Joseph Williamson's Mathematical School || || Rochester, Kent || Promoted from Counties 4 Kent (runners-up) |- | Sittingbourne || Gore Court Cricket Club || || Sittingbourne, Kent || 5th |- | Tunbridge Wells II || St Marks Recreation Ground || 3,000 || Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent || 6th |- | Whitstable || Reeves Way || || Chestfield, Kent || 7th |- |}

{{Location map+|Greater London|width=400|float=right|caption=Locations of the 2025-26 Counties 3 Kent teams in Greater London|places= {{location map~ |Greater London|lat=51.4490891|long=0.03287|label={{background color|white|Brockleians}}|position=left|label_size=80}} {{location map~ |Greater London|lat=51.4361607|long=0.2324677|label={{background color|white|Dartford<br>Valley}}|position=left|label_size=80}} }}

{{Location map+|Kent|width=400|float=right|caption=Locations of the 2025-26 Counties 3 Kent teams in Kent & East Sussex|places= {{location map~ |Kent|lat=51.280233|long=1.0789088 |label={{no break|{{lower|{{background color|white|Canterbury III}}}}}}|position=right|label_size=80}} {{location map~|Kent|lat=51.4368401|long=0.3801900|label={{background color|white|Gravesend II}}|position=right|label_size=80}} {{Location map~ |Kent|lat=50.910431|long=0.580251|mark=Arrows 12x12 s.svg |marksize=18|label={{background color|white|Hastings & Bexhill}}|position=top|label_size=80}} {{location map~ |Kent|lat=51.3629074|long=0.3004225|label={{background color|white|New<br>Ash}}|position=right|label_size=80}} {{location map~ |Kent|lat=51.4354073|long=0.3747934|label={{background color|white|Gravesendians}}|position=left|label_size=80}} {{location map~|Kent|lat=51.3710594|long=0.4980800|label={{raise|{{background color|white|Williamsonians}}}}|position=right|label_size=80}} {{location map~ |Kent|lat=51.3465614|long=0.7060400|label={{no break|{{background color|white|Sittingbourne}}}}|position=bottom|label_size=80}} {{location map~ |Kent|lat=51.1136846|long=0.2599845 |label={{raise|{{no break|{{background color|white|Tunbridge Wells II}}}}}}|position=right|label_size=80}} {{location map~ |Kent|lat=51.3582573|long=1.0636214|label={{background color|white|Whitstable}}|position=top|label_size=80}} }}

==Teams for 2024–25==

Departing were Old Elthamians and Old Alleynians II, both promoted to Counties 2 Kent. Faversham (10th) were relegated to Counties 4 Kent.

Joining were Old Dunstonians relegated from Counties 2 Kent together with Beckenham II, Brockleians and Old Gravesendians, all promoted from Counties 4 Kent

{| class="wikitable sortable" width=100% |- !Team !Ground !Capacity !City/Area !Previous season |- | Beckenham II || Balmoral Avenue || || Beckenham, London || Promoted from Counties 4 Kent (champions) |- | Brockleians || Civil Service Sports Ground || || Eltham, London || Promoted from Counties 4 Kent (runners-up) |- | Gravesend II || Rectory Field || || Gravesend, Kent || 8th |- | Hastings & Bexhill || William Parker Lower School || || Hastings, East Sussex || 7th |- | New Ash Green || New Ash Green Sports Pavilion || || New Ash Green, Kent || 9th |- | Old Dunstonians || St. Dunstan's Lane || || Beckenham, London || Relegated from Counties 2 Kent |- | Old Gravesendians || Fleetway Sports Ground || || Gravesend, Kent || Promoted from Counties 4 Kent (3rd) |- | Sittingbourne || Gore Court Cricket Club || || Sittingbourne, Kent || 4th |- | Tonbridge Juddians II || The Slade || 1,500 || Tonbridge, Kent || 3rd |- | Tunbridge Wells II || St Marks Recreation Ground || 3,000 || Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent || 5th |- | Whitstable || Reeves Way || || Chestfield, Kent || 6th |- |}

{{Location map+|Greater London|width=400|float=right|caption=Locations of the 2024-25 Counties 3 Kent teams in Greater London|places= {{Location map~|Greater London|lat=51.3965988|long=-0.0391510|label={{no break|{{background color|white|Beckenham II}}}}|position=left|label_size=80}} {{location map~ |Greater London|lat=51.4490891|long=0.03287|label={{background color|white|Brockleians}}|position=left|label_size=80}} {{Location map~|Greater London|lat=51.3899384|long=-0.0178787 |label={{background color|white|Dunstonians}}|position=right|label_size=80}} }}

{{Location map+|Kent|width=400|float=right|caption=Locations of the 2024-25 Counties 3 Kent teams in Kent & East Sussex|places= {{location map~|Kent|lat=51.4368401|long=0.3801900|label={{background color|white|Gravesend II}}|position=right|label_size=80}} {{Location map~ |Kent|lat=50.910431|long=0.580251|mark=Arrows 12x12 s.svg |marksize=18|label={{background color|white|Hastings & Bexhill}}|position=top|label_size=80}} {{location map~ |Kent|lat=51.3629074|long=0.3004225|label={{background color|white|New<br>Ash}}|position=right|label_size=80}} {{location map~ |Kent|lat=51.4354073|long=0.3747934|label={{background color|white|Gravesendians}}|position=left|label_size=80}} {{location map~ |Kent|lat=51.3465614|long=0.7060400|label={{no break|{{background color|white|Sittingbourne}}}}|position=top|label_size=80}} {{location map~ |Kent|lat=51.1979|long=0.2735 |label={{background color|white|Tonbridge Juddians II}}|position=top|label_size=80}} {{location map~ |Kent|lat=51.1136846|long=0.2599845 |label={{raise|{{no break|{{background color|white|Tunbridge Wells II}}}}}}|position=right|label_size=80}} {{location map~ |Kent|lat=51.3582573|long=1.0636214|label={{background color|white|Whitstable}}|position=top|label_size=80}} }}

==Teams for 2023–24==

Departing were Dartford Valley and Medway II, both promoted to Counties 2 Kent. King's College Hospital (9th) and Footscray (10th) were relegated to Counties 4 Kent.

Joining were Hastings & Bexhill relegated from Counties 2 Kent together with Sittingbourne promoted from Counties 4 Kent and Tonbridge Juddians III who upon joining this league were rebranded as Tonbridge Juddians II.

{| class="wikitable sortable" width=100% |- !Team !Ground !Capacity !City/Area !Previous season |- | Faversham || Recreation Ground || || Faversham, Kent || 5th |- | Gravesend II || Rectory Field || || Gravesend, Kent || 8th |- | Hastings & Bexhill || William Parker Lower School || || Hastings, East Sussex || Relegated from Counties 2 Kent |- | New Ash Green || New Ash Green Sports Pavilion || || New Ash Green, Kent || 7th |- | Old Alleynians II || The Common || || Dulwich, London || 4th |- | Old Elthamians || Hospital Ground || || Chislehurst, London || 3rd |- | Sittingbourne || Gore Court Cricket Club || || Sittingbourne, Kent || Promoted from Counties 4 Kent (runners-up) |- | Tonbridge Juddians II || The Slade || 1,500 || Tonbridge, Kent || Promoted from Counties 4 Kent (champions) |- | Tunbridge Wells II || St Marks Recreation Ground || 3,000 || Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent || New entry |- | Whitstable || Reeves Way || || Chestfield, Kent || 6th |- |}

{{Location map+|Greater London|width=400|float=right|caption=Locations of the 2023-24 Counties 3 Kent teams in Greater London|places= {{Location map~|Greater London|lat=51.440682|long=-0.074955|label={{no break|{{background color|white|Alleynians II}}}}|position=left|label_size=80}} {{Location map~|Greater London|lat=51.41792 |long=0.08476 |label={{lower|{{background color|white|Elthamians}}}}|position=left|label_size=80}} }}

{{Location map+|Kent|width=400|float=right|caption=Locations of the 2023-24 Counties 3 Kent teams in Kent & East Sussex|places= {{location map~ |Kent|lat=51.3114586|long=0.8953013|label={{background color|white|Faversham}}|position=right|label_size=80}} {{location map~|Kent|lat=51.4368401|long=0.3801900|label={{background color|white|Gravesend II}}|position=right|label_size=80}} {{Location map~ |Kent|lat=50.910431|long=0.580251|mark=Arrows 12x12 s.svg |marksize=18|label={{background color|white|Hastings & Bexhill}}|position=top|label_size=80}} {{location map~ |Kent|lat=51.3629074|long=0.3004225|label={{raise|{{background color|white|New<br>Ash}}}}|position=right|label_size=80}} {{location map~ |Kent|lat=51.3465614|long=0.7060400|label={{no break|{{background color|white|Sittingbourne}}}}|position=top|label_size=80}} {{location map~ |Kent|lat=51.1979|long=0.2735 |label={{background color|white|Tonbridge Juddians II}}|position=top|label_size=80}} {{location map~ |Kent|lat=51.1136846|long=0.2599845 |label={{raise|{{no break|{{background color|white|Tunbridge Wells II}}}}}}|position=right|label_size=80}} {{location map~ |Kent|lat=51.3582573|long=1.0636214|label={{background color|white|Whitstable}}|position=top|label_size=80}} }}

==Teams for 2022–23==

This was the first season following the RFU Adult Competition Review<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.englandrugby.com/follow/news-and-media/rfu-announce-new-mens-community-structure |title=RFU announce new men's community structure |publisher=RFU |date=2022-06-13}}</ref> with the league adopting its new name of Counties 3 Kent.

Returning were 4 of the 9 teams who competed in the previous season's league.

Departing were Hastings & Bexhill and Park House, both promoted to Counties 2 Kent. Old Williamsonians (3rd), Cliffe Crusaders (7th), Brockleians (9th) dropped to Counties 4 Kent.

Joining were Dartford Valley and Whitstable, promoted from Kent 2. New to the league were Gravesend II, Old Elthamians, Old Alleynians II and Medway II.

{| class="wikitable sortable" width=100% |- !Team !Ground !Capacity !City/Area !Previous season |- | Dartford Valley || Leigh Academy || || Dartford, Kent || Promoted from Kent 2 (champions) |- | Faversham || Recreation Ground || || Faversham, Kent || 5th |- | Footscray || Footscray Playing Fields || || New Eltham, London || 8th |- | Gravesend II || Rectory Field || || Gravesend, Kent || New entry |- | King's College Hospital || Dulwich Sports Ground || || Dulwich, London || 6th |- | Medway II || Priestfields || || Rochester, Kent || New entry |- | New Ash Green || New Ash Green Sports Pavilion || || New Ash Green, Kent || 4th |- | Old Alleynians II || The Common || || Dulwich, London || New entry |- | Old Elthamians || Hospital Ground || || Chislehurst, London || New entry |- | Whitstable || Reeves Way || || Chestfield, Kent || Promoted from Kent 2 (runners-up) |- |}

{{Location map+|Greater London|width=400|float=right|caption=Locations of the 2022-23 Counties 3 Kent teams in Greater London|places= {{location map~ |Greater London|lat=51.4421844|long=0.0663062|label={{background color|white|Footscray}}|position=right|label_size=80}} {{location map~ |Greater London|lat=51.4494823|long=-0.082573 |label={{background color|white|KCH}}|position=top|label_size=80}} {{Location map~|Greater London|lat=51.440682|long=-0.074955|label={{no break|{{background color|white|Alleynians II}}}}|position=bottom|label_size=80}} {{Location map~|Greater London|lat=51.41792 |long=0.08476 |label={{lower|{{background color|white|Elthamians}}}}|position=right|label_size=80}} }}

{{Location map+|Kent|width=400|float=right|caption=Locations of the 2022-23 Counties 3 Kent teams in Kent|places= {{location map~ |Kent|lat=51.4361607|long=0.2324677|label={{background color|white|Dartford<br>Valley}}|position=left|label_size=80}} {{location map~ |Kent|lat=51.3114586|long=0.8953013|label={{background color|white|Faversham}}|position=right|label_size=80}} {{location map~|Kent|lat=51.4368401|long=0.3801900|label={{background color|white|Gravesend II}}|position=right|label_size=80}} {{location map~|Kent|lat=51.3746569|long=0.4939288|label={{background color|white|Medway II}}|position=right|label_size=80}} {{location map~ |Kent|lat=51.3629074|long=0.3004225|label={{raise|{{background color|white|New<br>Ash}}}}|position=right|label_size=80}} {{location map~ |Kent|lat=51.3582573|long=1.0636214|label={{background color|white|Whitstable}}|position=top|label_size=80}} }}

==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.

Despite finishing 7th in season 2019–20, HSBC did not return to the league for the current season.

{| class="wikitable sortable" width=100% |- !Team !Ground !Capacity !City/Area !Previous season |- | Brockleians || Civil Service Sports Ground || || Eltham, London || Promoted from Kent 2 (champions) |- | Cliffe Crusaders || Recreation Ground || || Cliffe, Kent || 6th |- | Faversham || Recreation Ground || || Faversham, Kent || 5th |- | Footscray || Footscray Playing Fields || || New Eltham, London || Promoted from Kent 2 (runners up) |- | Hastings & Bexhill || William Parker Lower School || || Hastings, East Sussex || 4th |- | King's College Hospital || Dulwich Sports Ground || || Dulwich, London || 3rd |- | New Ash Green || New Ash Green Sports Pavilion || || New Ash Green, Kent || 8th |- | Old Williamsonians || Sir Joseph Williamson's Mathematical School || || Rochester, Kent || Relegated from London 3 SE (12th) |- | Park House || Barnet Wood Road || || Hayes, London || Relegated from London 3 SE (11th) |- |}

{{Location map+|Greater London|width=400|float=right|caption=Locations of the 2021-22 Shepherd Neame Kent 1 teams in Greater London|places= {{location map~ |Greater London|lat=51.4490891|long=0.03287|label={{background color|white|'''Brockleians'''}}|position=top|label_size=80}} {{location map~ |Greater London|lat=51.4421844|long=0.0663062|label={{lower|{{background color|white|'''Footscray'''}}}}|position=right|label_size=80}} {{location map~ |Greater London|lat=51.4494823|long=-0.082573 |label={{background color|white|'''KCH'''}}|position=left|label_size=80}} {{Location map~|Greater London|lat=51.3711281|long=0.0261221 |label={{background color|white|'''Park<br>House'''}}|position=left|label_size=80}} }}

{{Location map+|Kent|width=400|float=right|caption=Locations of the 2021-22 Shepherd Neame Kent 1 teams in Kent & East Sussex|places= {{location map~ |Kent|lat=51.4566383|long=0.4945184|label={{background color|white|'''Cliffe'''}}|position=right|label_size=80}} {{location map~ |Kent|lat=51.3114586|long=0.8953013|label={{background color|white|'''Faversham'''}}|position=right|label_size=80}} {{Location map~ |Kent|lat=50.910431|long=0.580251|mark=Arrows 12x12 s.svg |marksize=18|label={{background color|white|'''Hastings & Bexhill'''}}|position=top|label_size=80}} {{location map~ |Kent|lat=51.3629074|long=0.3004225|label={{background color|white|'''New<br>Ash'''}}|position=right|label_size=80}} {{location map~|Kent|lat=51.3710594|long=0.4980800|label={{background color|white|'''Williamsonians'''}}|position=right|label_size=80}} }}

==Season 2020–21==

On 30 October 2020 the RFU announced <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.englandrugby.com/news/article/rfu-cancels-adult-competitive-leaguesfor-the-202021-season|title=RFU Cancels Adult Competitive Leagues for the 2020/21 Season |publisher=RFU |date=2020-10-20 |access-date=2020-11-09}}</ref> that due to the coronavirus pandemic a decision had been taken to cancel Adult Competitive Leagues (National League 1 and below) for the 2020/21 season meaning Kent 1 was not contested.

==Participating clubs 2019–20==

{| class="wikitable sortable" width=100% |- !Team !Ground !Capacity !City/Area !Previous season |- | Cliffe Crusaders || Recreation Ground || || Cliffe, Kent || Promoted from Kent 2 (champions) |- | Cranbrook || Tomlin Ground || || Cranbrook, Kent || 4th |- | Faversham || Recreation Ground || || Faversham, Kent || Promoted from Kent 2 (runners up) |- | Hastings & Bexhill || William Parker Lower School || || Hastings, East Sussex || Relegated from London 3 SE (10th) |- | HSBC || HSBC Sports Ground || || Beckenham, London || 6th |- | King's College Hospital || Dulwich Sports Ground || || Dulwich, London || 7th |- | New Ash Green || New Ash Green Sports Pavilion || || New Ash Green, Kent || 9th |- | Old Gravesendians || Fleetway Sports Ground || || Gravesend, Kent || 5th |- | Southwark Lancers || Burgess Park || || Camberwell, London || 3rd |- | Whitstable || Reeves Way || || Chestfield, Kent || 8th |- |}

{{Location map+|Greater London|width=350|float=right|caption=Locations of the 2019-20 Shepherd Neame Kent 1 teams in Greater London|places= {{location map~ |Greater London|lat=51.4173012|long=-0.0390487|label={{background color|white|'''HSBC'''}}|position=left|label_size=80}} {{location map~ |Greater London|lat=51.4494823|long=-0.082573 |label={{background color|white|'''King's'''}}|position=left|label_size=80}} {{location map~ |Greater London|lat=51.4837303|long=-0.0750200|label={{background color|white|'''Southwark'''}}|position=right|label_size=80}} }}

{{Location map+|Kent|width=350|float=right|caption=Locations of the 2019-20 Shepherd Neame Kent 1 teams in Kent & East Sussex|places= {{location map~ |Kent|lat=51.4566383|long=0.4945184|label={{background color|white|'''Cliffe'''}}|position=right|label_size=80}} {{location map~ |Kent|lat=51.104082|long=0.5328787|label={{background color|white|'''Cranbrook'''}}|position=right|label_size=80}} {{location map~ |Kent|lat=51.3114586|long=0.8953013|label={{lower|{{background color|white|'''Faversham'''}}}}|position=right|label_size=80}} {{location map~|Kent|lat=50.8751793|long=0.5708800|label={{background color|white|'''Hastings & Bexhill'''}}|position=top|label_size=80|outside=1}} {{location map~ |Kent|lat=51.3629074|long=0.3004225|label={{background color|white|'''New<br>Ash'''}}|position=right|label_size=80}} {{location map~ |Kent|lat=51.4354073|long=0.3747934|label={{background color|white|'''Gravesendians'''}}|position=left|label_size=80}} {{location map~ |Kent|lat=51.3582573|long=1.0636214|label={{background color|white|'''Whitstable'''}}|position=right|label_size=80}} }}

==Participating clubs 2018–19==

{| class="wikitable sortable" width=100% |- !Team !Ground !Capacity !City/Area !Previous season |- | Ashford || Kinney's Field || || Ashford, Kent || 11th (not relegated) |- | Cranbrook || Tomlin Ground || || Cranbrook, Kent || 5th |- | Footscray || Footscray Playing Fields || || New Eltham, London || Promoted from Kent 2 (runners up) |- | Gillingham Anchorians || Darland Banks || || Gillingham, Kent || 4th |- | HSBC || HSBC Sports Ground || || Beckenham, London || 7th |- | King's College Hospital || Dulwich Sports Ground || || Dulwich, London || 3rd |- | New Ash Green || New Ash Green Sports Pavilion || || New Ash Green, Kent || 11th |- | Old Gravesendians || Fleetway Sports Ground || || Gravesend, Kent || 9th |- | Sheppey || Stupple Field || || Minster, Kent || Relegated from London 3 SE (11th) |- | Southwark Lancers || Burgess Park || || Camberwell, London || 10th |- | Whitstable || Reeves Way || || Chestfield, Kent || Promoted from Kent 2 (champions) |- |}

{{Location map+|Greater London|width=350|float=right|caption=Locations of the 2018-19 Shepherd Neame Kent 1 teams in Greater London|places= {{location map~ |Greater London|lat=51.4421844|long=0.0663062|label='''Footscray'''|position=right|label_size=80}} {{location map~ |Greater London|lat=51.4173012|long=-0.0390487|label='''HSBC'''|position=left|label_size=80}} {{location map~ |Greater London|lat=51.4494823|long=-0.082573 |label='''King's'''|position=left|label_size=80}} {{location map~ |Greater London|lat=51.4837303|long=-0.0750200|label='''Southwark'''|position=right|label_size=80}} }}

{{Location map+|Kent|width=350|float=right|caption=Locations of the 2018-19 Shepherd Neame Kent 1 teams in Kent|places= {{location map~ |Kent|lat=51.156788|long=0.8817633|label='''Ashford'''|position=right|label_size=80}} {{location map~ |Kent|lat=51.104082|long=0.5328787|label='''Cranbrook'''|position=right|label_size=80}} {{location map~ |Kent|lat=51.3652608|long=0.5618446|label='''Anchorians'''|position=right|label_size=80}} {{location map~ |Kent|lat=51.3629074|long=0.3004225|label='''New Ash'''|position=top|label_size=80}} {{location map~ |Kent|lat=51.4354073|long=0.3747934|label='''Gravesendians'''|position=top|label_size=80}} {{location map~ |Kent|lat=51.4099388|long=0.7902000|label='''Sheppey'''|position=right|label_size=80}} {{location map~ |Kent|lat=51.3582573|long=1.0636214|label='''Whitstable'''|position=right|label_size=80}} }}

==Participating clubs 2017–18==

{| class="wikitable sortable" width=100% |- !Team !Ground !Capacity !City/Area !Previous season |- | Ashford || Kinney's Field || || Ashford, Kent || Relegated from London 3 South East (12th) |- | Beccehamian || Sparrow's Den || || West Wickham, London || 4th |- | Cranbrook || Tomlin Ground || || Cranbrook, Kent || 3rd |- | Gillingham Anchorians || Darland Banks || || Gillingham, Kent || Relegated from London 3 South East (10th) |- | HSBC || HSBC Sports Ground || || Beckenham, London || 5th |- | King's College Hospital || Dulwich Sports Ground || || Dulwich, London || 6th |- | New Ash Green || New Ash Green Sports Pavilion || || New Ash Green, Kent || 9th |- | Old Gravesendians || Fleetway Sports Ground || || Gravesend, Kent || Promoted from Kent 2 (champions) |- | Royal Bank of Scotland || Goals Beckenham || || Beckenham, London || Promoted from Kent 2 (runners up) |- | Sittingbourne || Gore Court Cricket Club || || Sittingbourne, Kent || 10th |- | Southwark Lancers || Burgess Park || || Camberwell, London || 7th |- | Vigo || Swanswood Field || || Vigo, Kent || 8th |- |}

{{Location map+|Greater London|width=350|float=right|caption=Locations of the 2017-18 Shepherd Neame Kent 1 teams in Greater London|places= {{location map~ |Greater London|lat=51.3690605|long=-0.0104287|label=<div style="font-size:80%;">'''Beccehamian'''</div>|position=right}} {{location map~ |Greater London|lat=51.4173012|long=-0.0390487|label=<div style="font-size:80%;">'''HSBC'''</div>|position=left}} {{location map~ |Greater London|lat=51.4494823|long=-0.082573 |label=<div style="font-size:80%;">'''King's'''</div>|position=left}} {{location map~ |Greater London|lat=51.4204369|long=-0.0304991|label=<div style="font-size:80%;">'''RBS'''</div>|position=right}} {{location map~ |Greater London|lat=51.4837303|long=-0.0750200|label=<div style="font-size:80%;">'''Southwark'''</div>|position=right}} }}

{{Location map+|Kent|width=350|float=right|caption=Locations of the 2017-18 Shepherd Neame Kent 1 teams in Kent|places= {{location map~ |Kent|lat=51.156788|long=0.8817633|label=<div style="font-size:80%;">'''Ashford'''</div>|position=right}} {{location map~ |Kent|lat=51.104082|long=0.5328787|label=<div style="font-size:80%;">'''Cranbrook'''</div>|position=right}} {{location map~ |Kent|lat=51.3652608|long=0.5618446|label=<div style="font-size:80%;">'''Gillingham'''</div>|position=right}} {{location map~ |Kent|lat=51.3629074|long=0.3004225|label=<div style="font-size:80%;">'''New Ash'''</div>|position=left}} {{location map~ |Kent|lat=51.4354073|long=0.3747934|label=<div style="font-size:80%;">'''Gravesendians'''</div>|position=right}} {{location map~ |Kent|lat=51.3465614|long=0.7060400|label=<div style="font-size:80%;">'''Sittingbourne'''</div>|position=right}} {{location map~ |Kent|lat=51.3343086|long=0.3679100|label=<div style="font-size:80%;">'''Vigo'''</div>|position=right}} }}

==Participating clubs 2016–17== *Beccehamaian *Brockleians *Hastings & Bexhill *HSBC *King's College Hospital *Lordswood *New Ash Green *Old Gravesendians *Sittingbourne '''(promoted from Kent 2)''' *Southwark Lancers *Snowdon C.W. '''(promoted from Kent 2)''' *Vigo

==Participating clubs 2015–16== *Beccehamaian *Brockleians '''(promoted from Kent 2)''' *Hastings & Bexhill '''(relegated from London 3 South East)''' *HSBC *King's College Hospital *Lordswood *New Ash Green '''(promoted from Kent 2)''' *Old Gravesendians *Old Williamsonians *Sheppey *Southwark Lancers *Vigo

==Participating clubs 2014–15== *Beccehamian '''(relegated from London 3 South East)''' *Bexley '''(promoted from Kent 2)''' *Cranbrook *HSBC *King's College Hospital *Lordswood *Old Gravesendians *Old Williamsonians *Sheppey '''(relegated from London 3 South East)''' *Sittingbourne *Southwark Lancers *Vigo

==Participating clubs 2010–11== *Ashford *Beccehamian *Cranbrook *Dartfordians *Erith *Gillingham Anchorians. *Guys' Kings' & St Thomas' Hospital *Hastings and Bexhill *HSBC *New Ash Green *Old Gravesendians *Shooters Hill *Sittingbourne *Vigo *Whitstable

==Original teams==

When league rugby began in 1987 this division contained the following teams:

*Bromley *Charlton Park *Erith *Medway *NatWest Bank *Old Elthamians *Old Shootershillians *Park House *Sevenoaks *Thanet Wanderers *Tonbridge{{efn|Tonbridge would later merge with Old Juddian in 1999 to form Tonbridge Juddians RFC.}}

==Kent 1 honours==

===Kent 1 (1987–1993)===

The original Kent 1 was a tier 8 league with promotion up to London 3 South East and relegation down to Kent 2.

===Kent 1 (1993–1996)===

The creation of National 5 South meant that Kent 1 dropped from a tier 8 league to a tier 9 league for the years that National 5 South was active. Promotion and relegation continued to London 3 South East and Kent 2 respectively.

===Kent 1 (1996–2000)===

The cancellation of National 5 South at the end of the 1995–96 season meant that Kent 1 reverted to being a tier 8 league. Promotion and relegation continued to London 3 South East and Kent 2 respectively.

===Kent 1 (2000–2009)===

The introduction of London 4 South East ahead of the 2000–01 season meant Kent 1 dropped to become a tier 9 league with promotion to this new division. Relegation continued to Kent 2.

===Kent 1 (2009–present)===

Kent 1 remained a tier 9 league despite national restructuring by the RFU. Promotion was to London 3 South East (formerly London 4 South East) and relegation to Kent 2.

==Promotion play-offs== Since the 2000–01 season there has been a play-off between the runners-up of Kent 1 and Sussex 1 for the third and final promotion place to London 3 South East. The team with the superior league record has home advantage in the tie. At the end of the 2019–20 season the Kent 1 teams have been the most successful with fourteen wins to the Sussex 1 teams five; and the home team has won promotion on eleven occasions compared to the away teams eight.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: left;" |- |colspan="11" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"| {| border="0" style="width:100%;" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" |- | style="width:20%; border:0;"| | style="border:0;"|'''Kent 1 v Sussex 1 promotion play-off results''' | style="width:20%; border:0;"| |} |- ! Season ! Home team ! Score ! Away team ! Venue ! Attendance |- align=left |- | 2000–01<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.englandrugby.com/fixtures-and-results/competitions/london-se-division/2000-2001/group/9666|title=London & SE Division Play-Offs 2000-01 |publisher=England Rugby |date=19 May 2001}}</ref> || Hastings & Bexhill (S) || 12-29 || style="background:#d8ffeb;"| '''Betteshanger''' (K) || William Parker Lower School, Hastings, East Sussex || |- | 2001–02<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.englandrugby.com/fixtures-and-results/competitions/london-se-division/2000-2001/group/9666|title=London & SE Division Play-Offs 2001-02 |publisher=England Rugby |date=27 April 2002}}</ref> || style="background:#d8ffeb;"| '''Heathfield & Waldron''' (S) || 25-12 || Whitstable (K) || Hardy Roberts Recreational Ground, Cross In Hand, Heathfield, East Sussex || |- | 2002–03<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.englandrugby.com/fixtures-and-results/competitions/london-se-division/2000-2001/group/9666|title=London & SE Division Play-Offs 2002-03 |publisher=England Rugby |access-date=6 May 2017}}</ref> || style="background:#d8ffeb;"| '''Ashford''' (K) || 10-0 || Hastings & Bexhill (S) || Canterbury Road, Ashford, Kent || |- | 2003–04<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.englandrugby.com/fixtures-and-results/competitions/london-se-division/2003-2004/group/10720|title=London & SE Division Play-Offs 2003-04 |publisher=England Rugby |date=24 April 2004}}</ref> || Hastings & Bexhill (S) || 13-21 || style="background:#d8ffeb;"| '''Old Elthamians''' (K) || William Parker Lower School, Hastings, East Sussex || |- | 2004–05<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.englandrugby.com/fixtures-and-results/competitions/london-se-division/2004-2005/group/11120|title=London & SE Division Play-Offs 2004-05 |publisher=England Rugby |date=30 April 2005}}</ref> || Hastings & Bexhill (S) || 0-22 || style="background:#d8ffeb;"| '''Sittingbourne''' (K) || William Parker Lower School, Hastings, East Sussex || |- | 2005–06<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.englandrugby.com/fixtures-and-results/competitions/london-se-division/2005-2006/group/11476|title=London & SE Division Play-Offs 2005-06 |publisher=England Rugby |date=29 April 2006}}</ref> || Hastings & Bexhill (S) || 17-18 || style="background:#d8ffeb;"| '''Ashford''' (K) || William Parker Lower School, Hastings, East Sussex || |- | 2006–07<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.englandrugby.com/fixtures-and-results/competitions/london-se-division/2005-2006/group/11476|title=London & SE Division Play-Offs 2006-07 |publisher=England Rugby |date=28 April 2007}}</ref> || style="background:#d8ffeb;"| '''Horsham''' (S) || 33-7 || Park House (K) || Coolhurst Ground, Horsham, West Sussex || |- | 2007–08<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.englandrugby.com/fixtures-and-results/competitions/london-se-division/2007-2008/group/12635|title=London & SE Division Play-Offs 2007-08 |publisher=England Rugby |date=27 April 2008}}</ref> || Old Gravesendians (K) || 8-14 || style="background:#d8ffeb;"| '''East Grinstead''' (S) || Fleetway Sports Ground, Gravesend, Kent || |- | 2008–09<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/sport/othersport/4326762.display/|title=Old Gravesendians 10-5 Uckfield |publisher=News Shopper |date=28 April 2009}}</ref> || style="background:#d8ffeb;"| '''Old Gravesendians''' (K) || 10-5 || Uckfield (S) || Fleetway Sports Ground, Gravesend, Kent || 300 |- | 2009–10<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kentlive.news/cranes-stunning-fightback/story-12011753-detail/story.html|title=Cranes in stunning fightback |publisher=This is Kent |date=23 April 2010}}</ref> || Uckfield (S) || 19-21 || style="background:#d8ffeb;"| '''Cranbrook''' (K) || Hempstead Playing Fields, Uckfield, East Sussex || |- | 2010–11<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/sheppeyrfc/teams/15066/match-centre/0-601360|title=Sheppey 42 - 10 Burgess Hill |publisher=Sheppey RFC (Pitchero) |date=16 April 2011}}</ref> || style="background:#d8ffeb;"| '''Sheppey''' (K) || 42-10 || Burgess Hill (S) || Stupple Field, Minster, Kent || 500 |- | 2011–12<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/burgesshill/teams/21374/match-centre/0-1117545|title=Vigo 10 - 7 Burgess Hill |publisher=Burgess Hill RFC (Pitchero) |date=28 April 2012}}</ref> || style="background:#d8ffeb;"| '''Vigo''' (K) || 10-7 || Burgess Hill (S){{efn|Despite finishing 3rd in the league Burgess Hill took 2nd placed East Grinstead II place in the 2011-12 promotion playoff as East Grinstead's first team were in the division above.}} || Swanswood Field, Meopham, Kent || 400 |- | 2012–13<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/beccehamianrfc/teams/16052/match-centre/0-1720240|title=What a finish to the season.... |publisher=Beccehamian RFC (Pitchero) |date=27 April 2013}}</ref> || Eastbourne (S) || 0-47 || style="background:#d8ffeb;"| '''Beccehamian''' (K) || Park Avenue, Eastbourne, East Sussex || |- | 2013–14<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.crawleyrfc.com/news/crawley-miss-out-on-successive-1210707.html|title=Crawley Miss Out On Successive Promotions|publisher=Crawley RFC (Pitchero) |date=26 April 2014}}</ref> || Crawley (S) || 22-41 || style="background:#d8ffeb;"| '''Hastings & Bexhill''' (K) || Willoughby Fields Pavilion, Crawley, West Sussex || |- | 2014–15<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/burgesshill/teams/21374/match-centre/0-2901752|title=BHRFC 1 v Sheppey |publisher=Burgess Hill RFC (Pitchero) |date=25 April 2015}}</ref> || style="background:#d8ffeb;"| '''Burgess Hill''' (S) || 26-23 || Sheppey (K) || Southway Recreation Ground, Burgess Hill, West Sussex || |- | 2015–16<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.midsussextimes.co.uk/sport/more-sport/haywards-heath-13-old-williamsonians-8-heath-gain-promotion-with-home-win-after-tense-play-off-1-7361441|title=Haywards Heath 13, Old Williamsonians 8: Heath gain promotion with home win after tense play-off |publisher=Mid Sussex Times |date=2 May 2016}}</ref> || style="background:#d8ffeb;"| '''Haywards Heath''' (S) || 13-8 || Old Williamsonians (K) || Whitemans Green, Cuckfield, West Sussex || |- | 2016–17<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.englandrugby.com/fixtures-and-results/competitions/london-se-division/2016-2017/group/21334|title=London & SE Division Play-Offs 2016-17 |publisher=England Rugby |date=22 April 2017}}</ref> || style="background:#d8ffeb;"| '''Old Williamsonians''' (K) || 20-17 || Uckfield (S) || Sir Joseph Williamson's Mathematical School, Rochester, Kent || |- | 2017–18<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/vigorfc/teams/22433/match-centre/0-4002196|title=LONDON & SOUTH EAST DIVISION PLAY OFFS: VIGO 31 UCKFIELD 17|publisher=Vigo RFC (Pitchero)|date=21 April 2018}}</ref> || style="background:#d8ffeb;"| '''Vigo''' (K) || 31-17 || Uckfield (S) || Swanswood Field, Meopham, Kent || |- | 2018–19<ref>{{cite web|url=https://anchoriansrfc.com/2019/04/15/gillingham-anchorians-v-crawley-london-se-division-level-9-play-off-1500-13th-april-2019/|title=Gillingham Anchorians v Crawley London & SE Division – Level 9 Play-off, 15:00 13th April 2019|publisher=Gillingham Anchorians RFC|date=15 April 2019}}</ref> || style="background:#d8ffeb;"| '''Gillingham Anchorians''' (K) || 23-21 || Crawley (S) || Darland Banks, Gillingham, Kent || |- | 2019–20 || colspan=6| Cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom. Best ranked runner up - Cranbrook (K) - promoted instead. |- | 2020–21 || || || || || |- | colspan="15" style="border:0; font-size:smaller; text-align:center;"| Green background is the promoted team. K = Kent 1 and S = Sussex 1 |- |}

==Number of league titles==

*Park House (4) *Dartfordians (3) *Ashford (2) *Beccehamian (2) *Cranbrook (2) *Gillingham Anchorians (2) *Aylesford Bulls (1) *Bromley (1) *Canterbury (1) *Charlton Park (1) *Dover (1) *Erith (1) *Folkestone (1) *Guys' Kings' & St Thomas' Hospital (1) *Hastings & Bexhill (1) *Lordswood (1) *Medway (1) *Old Dunstonians (1) *Sevenoaks (1) *Sheppey (1) *Southwark Lancers (1) *Thanet Wanderers (1) *Tunbridge Wells (1) *Whitstable (1)

==Notes== {{notelist}}

==References== {{Reflist|3}}

==External links== *[http://www.kent-rugby.org/ Kent Rugby Football Union]

9 Category:Rugby union in Kent