1996–97 National Division 1

The 1995–96 National Division 1 (sponsored by Courage Brewery) was the tenth season of the top tier of the English rugby union league system, the Courage Clubs Championship, currently known as Premiership Rugby, and was the first season that saw professional rugby openly introduced into the English game. It was also the tenth and final season of sponsorship by Courage. Bath were the defending champions and London Irish and Northampton Saints the promoted teams.

Wasps finished as champions for the second time, six points clear of defending champions Bath. Bottom two clubs West Hartlepool and Orrell were relegated to the 1997–98 Premiership 2 (formerly National Division 2) while Bristol and London Irish would remain in the division having won their respective playoff games.