First-grade clubs

• The Armidale Rugby Club (Blues)
• Barbarians R.U.F.C.
• Robb Rugby Club - https://archive.today/20130101010711/http://robbrugby.rugbynet.com.au/
• St Alberts College
• Tamworth Rugby Union Sporting Club

Lower-grade clubs

• Glen Innes
• Tenterfield Bumblebees

Former NERU clubs

• Armidale City
• Armidale Old Boys
• City United (1994-2002)
• Earle Page College (1964-1984 and 1989–1990)
• Guy Fawkes Ebor
• Guyra Ghosts
• Gwydir River Rats (Bingara)
• Hillgrove
• Page-Wright Barbarians (1985-1988)
• Teachers College (TC) - The Chalkies
• University College
• United Colleges - The Dirty Ducks (1974–93)
• Uralla Miners
• Walcha Rams
• Wright College Redmen (1958–73,1989–94, 2015- ) ^[1]

City-United Historical note: During the 1994 pre-season, it became clear that neither United nor Armidale City would have enough players to field four grades or be competitive. Given that quite a few of City's squad were former United players, NERU Secretary and former United President Dick Croft encouraged the two clubs to join forces, and City United was born. The new club competed strongly for the next eight years before merging with Armidale Old Boys for the 2003 season. This resulted in the new Armidale Blues Rugby Club, which combines the history and tradition of City, the professionalism and competitiveness of Old Boys, and the spirit and student depth of United.