The new league structure for National Division 2 rugby clubs in the 2022/23 season has been released with Canterbury placed in the 14-team National 2 East.

Newcomers to this level will be Dorking, North Walsham and Sevenoaks.

Kent clubs Blackheath and Tonbridge Juddians, both relegated from Division One last season, are also in the mix.

The full list of clubs is Barnes, Blackheath, Bury St Edmunds, Canterbury, Dorking, Guernsey Raiders, Henley, North Walsham, Old Albanian, Rochford Hundred, Sevenoaks, Tonbridge Juddians, Westcliff, Worthing Raiders.

Canterbury Pilgrims will compete in a new Counties 2 Kent competition made up of nine first teams together with the Pilgrims, Westcombe Park 2^nd and Sevenoaks 2^nd.

Counties 2 Kent: Canterbury Pilgrims, Dover, Gillingham Anchorians, Hastings & Bexhill, Maidstone, Old Dunstonians, Old Williamsonians, Park House, Sevenoaks 2, Southwark Lancers, Vigo, Westcombe Park 2. 

Welcoming the new set up Canterbury Head Coach Matt Corker said: ” I am excited by the new leagues that our 1^st XV and Pilgrims will be entering and feel that it is an extremely positive move for our players.”

“The Pilgrims entry into Counties 2 Kent is a big step forward in our ability as a club to help our players develop and prepare them for national league rugby.”

“The new National 2 East is full of great teams and offers us reduced travel times and more rest weekends which is a great help to players rugby and life balance. It will add a real excitement to preseason, and I can’t wait for the first game.”