The first placed team in the competition is promoted to the Premiership; providing that club's ground fulfills the Rugby Football Union's Minimum Standards Criteria[5] while the bottom side is relegated to National League 1.

[8][9] On 24 March 2018 Rotherham Titans were relegated with three games to go, after losing away to Jersey Reds.

[10] Promoted in their place were the winners of 2017–18 National League 1, Coventry, who return to the second tier for the first time since being relegated at the end of the 2009–10 season.

[11] On 7 April 2018 Bristol were crowned champions of the 2017–18 season with two games to go following title rivals Ealing Trailfinders defeat that day to Doncaster Knights.

Dougie Flockhart for Doncaster Knights at home to Richmond on 26 January 2019 Robin Wedlake for Cornish Pirates away to Hartpury College on 15 September 2018 Craig Willis for Ealing Trailfinders away to Coventry on 23 March 2019 Shane O'Leary for Nottingham at home to Doncaster Knights on 29 September 2018 Will Maisey for Coventry away to Nottingham on 23 December 2018 Luke Cozens for Hartpury College away to Doncaster Knights on 8 September 2018 Aaron Penberthy for Jersey Reds at home to Cornish Pirates on 13 October 2018 Shane O'Leary for Nottingham away to Richmond on 20 October 2018 Shane O'Leary for Nottingham at home to Ealing Trailfinders on 26 October 2018 Shane O'Leary for Nottingham away to Coventry on 13 April 2019 [48][49][50][51][52]