[1] The winner can be promoted to Elite Two subject to having adequate finances and facilities.

Brought back in 1976 under the title National 2 representing clubs at the 3rd tier.

For the start of season 2012–13 the league was split into East and West regional divisions where each team plays each other in their regional league home and away with the top sides then meeting in a series of play-off matches resulting in a Grand Final.

In 2023, the Federal and National Division merged in a restructuring of the French rugby league system.

In the first part of the season teams were divided into regional pools from which they qualified for the finals stage.