Counties 1 Surrey/Sussex

Counties 1 Surrey/Sussex is an English level 7 rugby union regional league for rugby clubs in London and the south-east of England including sides from Surrey, Greater London (in locations that were historically part of Surrey), East Sussex and West Sussex. Administration of the leagues is divided between Surrey Rugby,^[1] Sussex Rugby^[2] and the London & SE RFU.^[3] The current champions are Twickenham.

The twelve teams play home and away matches from September through to April, making a total of twenty-two matches each. The results of the matches contribute points to the league as follows:

• 4 points are awarded for a win.
• 2 points are awarded for a draw.
• 0 points are awarded for a loss.

In addition:

• 1 losing (bonus) point is awarded to a team that loses a match by 7 points or fewer
• 1 additional (bonus) point is awarded to a team scoring 4 tries or more in a match

Promotion is either Regional 2 South East, Regional 2 South Central or Regional 2 Thames whilst relegated teams drop to either Counties 2 Surrey or Counties 2 Sussex depending on location.

Departing were Twickenham, promoted to Regional 2 South Central, whilst East Grinstead (11th) and Old Haileyburians (12th) were relegated to Counties 2 Sussex and Counties 2 Surrey respectively.

A month ahead of the new season began Uckfield, who had been promoted as champions of Counties 2 Sussex, withdrew from the competition having lost their head coach and a significant number of senior players to league rivals Hove.

Leaving the league were Teddington and Old Tiffinians, promoted to Regional 2 Thames and Regional 2 South East respectively; while Kingston, Old Walcountians and Old Cranleighans were relegated to Counties 2 Surrey.^{[4] [5] [6]} Joining were Cobham and London Cornish both relegated from Regional 2 South East; coming up were Haywards Heath from Counties 2 Sussex and Old Haileyburians and Old Rutlishians both from Counties 2 Surrey.^{[7] [8] [9]}

The London & SE RFU published fixtures for the league in June 2024.^[10]

Leaving the league were Chobham promoted to Regional 2 Thames.^[13] Warlingham were relegated to Counties 2 Surrey for what were reported as "...administrative, rather than playing, reasons...".^[14] Joining the league were promoted sides Teddington, from Counties 2 Surrey, Eastbourne and East Grinstead, both from Counties 2 Sussex. Coming down from Regional 2 South East were KCS Old Boys.^{[15] [16]} Further post-ACR adjustments meant the league was restored to twelve teams.^[17]

This was the first season following the RFU Adult Competition Review. The league was similar to London 2 South West but was smaller (12 teams reduced to 10) with Counties 1 Hampshire taking teams that historically would have played in London 2 South West. This prompted a substantial reordering of the leagues with two teams, Kingston and Trinity, effectively achieving a 'double' promotion from level 9 (Surrey 1) to level 7 of the RFU rugby pyramid.^[19] Warlingham, Weybridge Vandals and Old Walcountians were all promoted from the upper end of London 3 South West whilst, rather less predictably, Old Cranleighans also came up from the same league despite having finished in last place.^[20][21][22]

Following the RFU Adult Competition Review, the league was initially made up of ten clubs from East Sussex, south-west London, Surrey and West Sussex. Promotion is either Regional 2 South East, Regional 2 South Central or Regional 2 Thames while relegated teams drop to either Counties 2 Surrey or Counties 2 Sussex depending on location.