The Hampshire Competitions Sub Committee met on Monday April 28th 2008 to make the final decision about the structure of the Hampshire Leagues for the coming season. By this time it was known that Sandown & Shanklin had lost their play off .
In the preliminary discussion it was learned that the structure of the National Leagues is changing and that for season 2009-2010 it was likely that this would lead to fewer clubs being left in the County leagues, and the arrangements made now were likely to be for one season only. The number of teams left in the Hampshire leagues is 25 (last season it was 26).
It is appreciated that this insufficient for three ideally populated leagues. The policy of giving the higher placed clubs more competitive rugby was retained. As there had been no advance notice given to the clubs that there would be a change in the structure, relegating extra clubs was rejected. Also the sub committee is very anxious to avoid mismatches between sides of very different strengths. The Hampshire Three clubs had not wished the playing of three games against their opponents to be repeated.
Bearing all this in mind the pattern of Hampshire One 10 clubs, Hampshire Two 8 clubs and Hampshire Three 7 clubs was decided on. This involves relegation of one club (Fareham Heathens) from One. Eastleigh and Romsey are promoted from Two, Ventnor and Chineham are relegated. Overton and Fawley are promoted from Hampshire Three. All leagues will play their opponents home and away.

You will probably have heard that it is almost certain next season will be the last for the RFU KOs, so in 2009-2010 there will be more Saturdays free for league rugby. This may lead to larger leagues at all levels, and some of the smaller clubs may decide to apply to join a merit table. We will give as much information as we can before the start of the new season.

Hampshire One                               Hampshire Two                 Hampshire Three

Sandown & Shanklin                       Fareham Heathens            Ventnor
East Dorset                                       Aldershot & Fleet              Chineham
Fordingbridge                                  Millbrook                             Paxton Pumas
New Milton                                      Lytchett Minster                 Kingsclere
Southampton                                   IOW                                      Alresford
US Portsmouth                                Nomads                                Verwood
Alton                                                Overton                                 Stoneham
Farnborough                                   Fawley
Eastleigh
Romsey