Midlands 4 East (South)

Counties 3 Midlands East (South) / (Central) (formerly Midlands 4 East (South) area level 9 English Rugby Union leagues and level 4 of the Midlands League, made up of teams from the southern part of the East Midlands region including clubs from Bedfordshire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Lincolnshire and occasionally Cambridgeshire, all of whom play home and away matches throughout the season. Each year some of the clubs in this division also take part in the RFU Junior Vase - a level 9-12 national competition. Formed for the 2006-07 season, the division was originally known as Midlands 5 East (South) but changed to its present name for the 2008-09 season due to league restructuring. Further restructuring of the Midlands leagues ahead of the 2009–10 season, saw it changed to Midlands 4 East (South) and post the RFU's Adult Competition Review, from season 2022-23 it adopted its current name. From 2023-24 the league was split into South and Central divisions. Promoted teams move up to Counties 2 Midlands East (South) and since Midlands 5 East (South) was abolished there has been no relegation.

2024-25

Central

Joining were Bingham, Castle Donnington, Ilkeston II, Leesbrook, Nottingham Moderns II and Spalding II. Departing were Keyworth, promoted to Counties 2 Midlands East (South) together with Asbourne II, North Hykeham, Paviors II, Rolls-Royce and Sleaford who all returned to the Counties 3 Midlands East (North) East and West divisions.

South

Departing were Northampton BBOB and Rugby St Andrews, both promoted to Counties 2 Midlands East (South). Castle Donnington left on a level transfer to Counties 3 Midlands East (Central). Joining were Aylestone Athletic, Bedford Queens, Leighton Buzzard and Luton

2023-24

Ahead of the new season a new Central division was introduced.

Central

This newly created league was formed in the majority of sides on a level transfer from Counties 3 Midlands East (North) East and West divisions plus the addition of Melllish 2XV.

South

Departing were Bedford Swifts and Brackley, both promoted to Counties 2 Midlands East (South). Thorley (7th) were relegated into the Cambridgeshire reserve leagues. Joining were Castle Donnington, Northampton BBOB, Northampton Men's Own, Rugby St Andrews, Rugby Welsh and Sielby.

2022-23

Departing were Biggleswade, St Neots and Northampton BBOB, all promoted to Counties 2 Midlands East (South). Joining were Rugby Lions.

2021-22

Participating teams & locations

Kempston, who finished 11th in 2019-20, and Wellingborough Old Grammarians, who finished 12th in 2019-20, did not return for the current season. Joining the league are South Leicester who withdrew from Midlands Premier in season 2019-20. Aylestone St James withdrew from the league midway through the season leaving it with nine teams.

2020–21

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020–21 season was cancelled.

2019–20

Participating teams & locations

2018–19

Participating teams & locations

2017–18

Participating teams & locations

Teams 2016-17

Teams 2015-16

Teams 2014-15

Teams 2013-14

Teams 2012–13

Teams 2008–09

Original teams

When this division was introduced in 2006 as Midlands 5 East (South), it contained the following teams:

Midlands 4 East (South) honours

Midlands 5 West (North) (2006–2009)

League restructuring ahead of the 2006–07 season saw the introduction of Midlands 5 East (South) and its counterpart Midlands 5 East (North) at tier 9 to replace the discontinued East Midlands/South Leicestershire 1 and Notts, Lincs, Derbyshire/North Leicestershire leagues. Promotion was to Midlands 4 East (South) and relegation to Midlands 6 East (South).