1998–99 National League 1
The 1998–99 National League 1, sponsored by Jewson, was the twelfth full season of rugby union within the third tier of the English league system.
Structure
The league consisted of fourteen teams, playing each other on a home and away basis to make a total of twenty-six matches for each team. There were two promotion places with the top two teams promoted to the 1999–2000 Allied Dunbar Premiership Two. Two teams were relegated to either National League 2 North or South, depending on geographical location.Participating teams and locations
Ten of the clubs participating in last seasons competition. To make up the numbers two of the teams were promoted from National 2 North, and two from National 2 South were also promoted.| Team | Ground | Capacity | City/Area | Last season |
| Birmingham & Solihull | Sharmans Cross | 2,500 | Solihull, West Midlands | Promoted from National League 2 North |
| Camberley | Watchetts Recreation Ground | Camberley, Surrey | Promoted from National League 2 South | |
| Harrogate | Claro Road | Harrogate, North Yorkshire | 14th | |
| Henley | Dry Leas | 4,000 | Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire | Promoted from National League 2 South |
| Liverpool St Helens | Moss Lane | St Helens, Merseyside | 11th | |
| Lydney | Regentsholm | 1,500 | Lydney, Gloucestershire | 12th |
| Manchester | Grove Park | 4,000 | Cheadle Hulme, Stockport | Promoted from National League 2 North |
| Morley | Scatcherd Lane | Morley, Leeds, West Yorkshire | 13th | |
| Newbury | Monks Lane | 8,000 | Newbury, Berkshire | 7th |
| Nottingham | Ireland Avenue | 4,950 | Nottingham, Nottinghamshire | 6th |
| Otley | Cross Green | 5,000 | Otley, Leeds, West Yorkshire | 9th |
| Reading | Holme Park | Sonning, Berkshire | 8th | |
| Rosslyn Park | The Rock | 2,000 | Roehampton, London | 5th |
| Wharfedale | The Avenue | 2,000 | Threshfield, North Yorkshire | 10th |