2004–05 National Division One

2004–05 National Division One
Countries	England
Champions	Bristol
Runners-up	Exeter
Relegated	Orrell and Henley
Attendance	266,588 (average 1,687 per match)
Highest attendance	10,349 Bristol Shoguns at home to Exeter Chiefs on 27 March 2005
Lowest attendance	237 Orrell at home to Plymouth Albion on 12 March 2005
Top point scorer	Leigh Hinton (Bedford Blues) 347 points
Top try scorer	Sean Marsden (Bristol Shoguns) 21 tries
← 2003–04 2005–06 →

The 2004–05 National Division One was the 18th full season of rugby union within the second tier of the English league system, currently known as the RFU Championship. New teams to the division included Rotherham Titans who were demoted from the 2003-04 Zurich Premiership while Sedgley Park and Nottingham were promoted from the 2003–04 National Division Two. Rotherham almost went into liquidation and dropped out of the leagues following their relegation from the Premiership but were saved by a local consortium which enabled them to continue playing in National One. As well as new teams Coventry had a new ground, moving from Coundon Road to the smaller but more modern Butts Park Arena.

By the end of the season, after two seasons spent in the division, Bristol Shoguns became champions and were promoted back to the Guinness Premiership for season 2005–06.Exeter Chiefs were runners–up, and Orrell (last seasons runners–up) along with Henley were relegated to the 2005–06 National Division Two.

62 - 9 Bristol Shoguns at home to Sedgley Park on 16 January 2005
68 - 15 Bristol Shoguns at home to Exeter Chiefs on 27 March 2005

53 - 5 Bristol Shoguns away to Orrell on 9 April 2005

68 - 15 Bristol Shoguns at home to Exeter Chiefs on 27 March 2005