The 1988–89 National Division 1 (sponsored by Courage Brewery) was the second season of the top tier of the English rugby union league system, the Courage Clubs Championship, currently known as Premiership Rugby. Leicester were the defending champions, and Liverpool St Helens and Rosslyn Park the promoted sides.
Bath became champions for the first time winning the league by a convincing margin from runners–up Gloucester. Waterloo and Liverpool St.Helens finished in the bottom two and were relegated to the 1989–90 National Division 2.
Structure Each team played one match against each of the other teams, playing a total of eleven matches each. This was the first season of fixed Saturdays for league matches, where before clubs had organised fixture dates and the number of home games were fairer (although some teams played six and others five). The bottom two sides were relegated to National Division 2.
The points system was changed so that a win counted for 2 points, a draw 1 point and a loss no points (previously this had been 4 points for a win, 2 for a draw and 1 for a loss).
Participating teams
TeamStadiumCapacityCity/AreaPrevious seasonBathRecreation Ground8,300 (1,000 seats)Bath, Somerset4thBristolMemorial Stadium8,500 (1,200 seats)Bristol, Avon9thGloucesterKingsholm11,100 (1,100 seats)Gloucester, Gloucestershire5thHarlequinsThe Stoop9,000 (2,000 seats)Twickenham, London3rdLeicesterWelford Road14,700 (9,200 seats)Leicester, LeicestershireChampionsLiverpool St HelensMoss Lane4,370 (370 seats)St Helens, MerseysidePromoted from National 2 (2nd)MoseleyThe Reddings9,999 (1,800 seats)Birmingham, West Midlands7thNottinghamIreland Avenue4,990 (590 seats) Beeston, Nottinghamshire8thOrrellEdge Hall Road5,300 (300 seats) Orrell, Greater Manchester6thRosslyn ParkThe Rock4,630 (630 seats)Roehampton, LondonPromoted from National 2 (1st)WaspsRepton Avenue3,200 (1,200 seats)Sudbury, London2ndWaterlooSt Anthony's Road9,950 (950 seats) Blundellsands, Merseyside10th
Table
Results table The home team is listed on the left column.
Fixtures & Results Round 1
Round 2
Round 3
Round 4
Round 5
Round 6
Round 7
Round 8
Round 9
Bath are champions.
Round 10
Waterloo are relegated.
Liverpool St Helens are relegated.
Round 11
Notes
See also 1988–89 National Division 2 1988–89 National Division 3 1988–89 Area League North 1988–89 Area League South
References