1996–97 Courage League National Division Two
The 1996–97 Courage League National Division Two was the tenth full season of rugby union within the second tier of the English league system, currently known as the RFU Championship and was season that saw professional rugby openly introduced into the English game. Joining the eight teams who participated in the division in 1995–96 were Richmond, Coventry, Rugby and Rotherham all of whom were promoted from National Division Three with no teams coming down from National Division One due to league restructuring. The league was sponsored by Courage Brewery for the tenth consecutive year.
| 1996–97 Courage League National Division Two | |
|---|---|
| Countries | England |
| Champions | Richmond (1st title) |
| Runners-up | Newcastle Falcons |
| Relegated | Rugby Lions and Nottingham |
| Matches played | 132 |
| Highest attendance | 8,000 Coventry at home to Newcastle Falcons on 2 November 1996 |
| Top point scorer | Simon Mason, (Richmond) 334 points |
| Top try scorer | John Bentley, (Newcastle Falcons) 23 tries |
The top two teams, Richmond and Newcastle Falcons were automatically promoted, and for the first time there were play–offs between the third and fourth placed teams, and the ninth and tenth placed teams in Division One, for a place in the top tier for season 1997-98. The Division Two sides played at home first with the winners of the two matches, on aggregate score, playing in the top division the following season. Coventry and Bedford both failed to win promotion. Rugby Lions and Nottingham were relegated to Division 3 for the 1997–98 season. Last season Nottingham finished in the bottom two and escaped relegation due to the division being increased from ten clubs to twelve clubs. This season they were not so lucky and next season will be their first in Division Three.