The 2013 Conference League South was the first season under the new name. Founded in 2013 as a result of the restructuring of the game below the professional level. The Rugby League Conference which was broken up in 2011 was replaced for one season in 2012 by the National Conference League Division 3 which was placed under the banner of the National Conference League which had moved from winter to summer. Bristol Sonics, St Albans Centurions and Nottingham Outlaws moved across from National Conference League Division 3. The top two from Midlands Rugby League Premier Division, Northampton Demons as champions and Leicester Storm as runners-up moved up and a new club Sheffield Hallam Eagles, a joint venture set up by Sheffield Eagles and Sheffield Hallam University made up the 6 team competition. The teams would play each other three times during the regular season with the top four contesting the play-offs. The season ran from April to August