NorthumberlandNorthumberland andand thethe 20152015 RugbyRugby WorldWorld CupCup Northumberland, a County like all other Counties? WithNorthumberland, landscapes from a CountyTyneside's like all otherheavy Counties? industry to the sweeping beaches of the North Sea �� NORTHUMBERLAND coastWith to landscapes the rolling from moors Tyneside of the ’Cheviots heavy industrHills. Landscapesy to the sweeping just like beaches other And Counties?of the North Not Seaquite! coast to the rolling moors of the Cheviot Hills. THE 2015 RUGBY WORLD CUP Landscapes just like other Counties? Not quite! From our industrial heritage comes the first steam engine, ‘Puffing Billy’ at Wylam Colliery; From our industrial heritage comes the first steam engine, ‘Puffing Billy’ at Wylam Colliery; the first home lit up through hyrdo-electric power, Cragside House (the former home of Foreword from Jonny Wilkinson: the first home lit up through hyrdo-electric power, Cragside House (the former home of Lord Armstrong, the inventor of breech-loading guns, so vital in the battles of the First Lord Armstrong, the inventor of breech-loading guns, so vital in the battles of the First World War) and the first dual-shaft coal mines (introduced following the tragic disaster at World War) and the first dual-shaft coal mines (introduced following the tragic disaster at For me rugby is the ultimate example of team sport. New Hartley Colliery in 1862). New Hartley Colliery in 1862). Every player must work, run hard, get up and go again. Every player

The imposing presence of Castle which helped make the Harry Potter films so needs the skills to catch and pass and everyone has to tackle, even if The imposing presence of Alnwick Castle which helped make the Harry Potter films so some seem to relish that particular part more than others. famous, that ‘tree’ on the Roman Wall that Kevin Costner managed to get to from Dover in famous, that ‘tree’ on the Roman Wall that Kevin Costner managed to get to from Dover in less than a day in his role as Robin Hood! The world renowned Craster Kippers, our famous less than a day in his role as Robin Hood! The world renowned Craster Kippers, our famous However, every position has a unique role to play in the team, without Stottie Cakes, our incomparable Lindisfarne Mead. No, Northumberland is not quite just a Stottie Cakes, our incomparable Lindisfarne Mead. No, Northumberland is not quite just a which nothing would work. This means that everyone counts and that County like all others. all members are equally important. That goes for the supporters too. County like all others. It’s all just one big team working together.

We like to think that that also applies to our approach to Rugby, from ‘grass-roots’ to We like to think that that also applies to our approach to Rugby, from ‘grass-roots’ to I began my professional career as a teenager with PremierPremier League. League. Which Which other other County County has has a a rugby rugby club club basedbased withinwithin its boundaries but but plays plays and I learned very quickly just how important this incredible spirit was in thein the Scottish Scottish Leagues? Leagues? Which Which other other County County can can proudly proudly statestate thatthat every gamegame atat seni senioror to the players and spectators alike. ageage level level is officiatedis officiated by by a aqualified qualified Society Society Referee Referee (including (including one we have occasionallyoccasionally lent lent Being surrounded by such selfless, positive people on and off the field to theto the IR BIRB, Now , now World World Rugby Rugby)?)? Well, Well, wewe can!can! was the most amazing way to perform my apprenticeship. The lessons

Northumberland Rugby Union has an outstanding record for innovation and effective I received during my 13 year journey at the Falcons have been and Northumberland Rugby Union has an outstanding record for innovation and effective continue to serve as the backbone of my success and my life since. management.management. The The Rugby Rugby Development Development Plan Plan has has been been praised praised byby the Rugby FootballFootball Union Union andand Sport Sport England as as a modela model of of its its kind kind and and has has won won majormajor awardsawards for initiativeinitiative and and Up in the beautiful North East, surrounded by characterful towns and beautiful countryside, clubs like originality.originality. The The plan plan supports supports clubs clubs in in the the development development ofof mini,mini, youth and seniorsenior sides sides by by Tynedale, Morpeth, Alnwick and Percy Park- to name a few of many- continue to illustrate these providingproviding coaching coaching for for players, players, support support of of the the administrative administrative volunteersvolunteers andand financialfinancial and and brilliant values on a daily basis. Rugby fans and players of all ages, coaches, medical staff and back room welfare awareness training where required. staff are all getting together to encourage each other and give everything they possibly can to make it a welfare awareness training where required. little bit easier for the person next to them to be the best they can possibly be.

WeWe are are also also aware aware that that we we are are just just like like other other counties counties andand countriescountries in one respect.respect. We We It is the perfect recipe for inspiring teamwork and it is how the guys up this way go about their business. It is dependdepend on on the the enthusiasm enthusiasm and and skills skills of of numerous numerous volunteers volunteers toto help deliver allall thethe also the big secret to winning, understood by the very best teams; teams like 2007 World Cup winners elementselements that that help help make make Rugby Rugby so so enjoyable. enjoyable. From From the the ClubClub levellevel to County levellevel to to South Africa and reigning World Cup 2011 champions New Zealand, both of whom will be gracing the Park NationalNational level, level, without without real real people people doing doing real real things things there there wouldwould be no game asas wewe know know it. it. hallowed St. James’ turf during the pool stages. Let us not forget that our nearest neighbours Scotland will be there too, playing the games of their lives.

VisitVisit the the Northumberland Northumberland Rugby Rugby Union Union web web-site:-site: www.northumberlandrugbyunion.com www.northumberlandrugbyunion.com So if you feel like experiencing rugby at the very, very highest level in the biggest tournament of all, then come and get close to these ultimate athletes. If you want to be part of our team and breathe in some life- changing energy, then join the fans up here and if you want to know what real passion feels like, then don’t miss this opportunity.

Jonny

Northumberland, a County like all other Counties? ALNWICK RFC With landscapes from Tyneside's heavy industry to the sweeping beaches of the North Sea �� coast to the rolling moors of the Cheviot Hills. Landscapes just like other Counties? Not quite!

From our industrial heritage comes the first steam engine, ‘Puffing Billy’ at Wylam Colliery; the first home lit up through hyrdo-electric power, Cragside House (the former home of Contact details: Our RWC 2015 Activities LordA Message Armstrong, from the the inventor Northumberland of breech-loading Rugby guns, Union so vital President: in the battles of the First Clubhouse, Greensfield, Alnwick World War) and the first dual-shaft coal mines (introduced following the tragic disaster at NE66 1BG, 01665 602342  To televise games on our giant screen in a convivial atmosphere with food and beverages available. All NewDear Hartley Rugby Supporter,Colliery in 1862). www.pitchero.com/clubs/alnwick www.facebook.com/pages/alnwick- visitors will be made very welcome to share the rugby

I am delighted to extend to you a very warm welcome to Northumberland, as you follow your rugby-club experience. The imposing presence of Alnwick Castle which helped make the Harry Potter films so national team in RWC 2015 in the North of England. I hope you find time to enjoy the Contacts: Brian Lamb 01665 603023,  To host club members, guests and visitors at various famous,hospitability that offered ‘tree’ on by theour Romanrugby clubs, Wall thethat opportunities Kevin Costner available managed in the to cityget toand from our towns,Dover in 07503726001 themed events held during the RWC. Full details will lessand than to visit a daythe beautifulin his role countryside. as Robin Hood! The world renowned Craster Kippers, our famous Dennis Hetherington 01665 604227 become available on the website and facebook. Stottie Cakes, our incomparable Lindisfarne Mead. No, Northumberland is not quite just a 07990718660  To run an 8 a-side mixed World Cup tag tournament CountyWith many like ofall you others. boarding in the city, following the camaraderie of the match days I would inclusive of all ages and abilities with each group being designated a RWC team. encourage you to visit the rolling hills, sample the coastal walks and the miles of beaches that our county has to offer. The autumn colours enhance the landscape. Our facilities:  To host a RWC schools’ festival in conjunction with We like to think that that also applies to our approach to Rugby, from ‘grass-roots’ to A large bar and lounge for up to 150 the RDO. PremierMany of League.our rugby Which clubs other have developedCounty has entertainment a rugby club programmesbased within around its boundaries the match but days plays people; inthat the would Scottish be att Leagues?ractive to Which both individuals other County and canfamilies. proudly The state themes that reflect every the game nationalities at senior Smaller bar for up to 30 people; agerepresented level is officiated and I would by arecommend qualified Society you to goReferee along. (including You can beone sure we ofhave a very occasionally warm lent Comprehensive bar and catering welcome in this ‘the friendly county’. service available with free WiFi; to the IRB, Now World Rugby )? Well, we can! Camping and caravan pitches

We hope your time in Northumberland will rekindle friendships and build anew as you spend available with showering and some Northumberlandtime in the company Rugby of Northumbrians Union has an outstandingand when you record return for home innovation that you andwill retaineffective many electrical hook ups; management.happy memories The of Rugby your time Development with us whatever Plan has the been result praised in the games! by the Audio visual equipment with a giant and Sport England as a model of its kind and has won major awards for initiative and screen for matches; originality.With every Thebest plan wish. supports clubs in the development of mini, youth and senior sides by Outside paved patio area with built in BBQ. providing coaching for players, support of the administrative volunteers and financial and welfareKen Fraser awareness training where required. President of Northumberland Rugby Union

We are also aware that we are just like other counties and countries in one respect. We ALNWICK RFC NESTLED AMIDST IMPOSING CASTLES AND STUNNING COASTLINE WITH A depend on the enthusiasm and skills of numerous volunteers to help deliver all the RICH HISTORY JUST WAITING TO BE EXPLORED elements that help make Rugby so enjoyable. From the Club level to County level to National level, without real people doing real things there would be no game as we know it.

Visit the Northumberland Rugby Union web-site: www.northumberlandrugbyunion.com

The Alnwick Garden Alnwick Castle

Alnmouth Estuary

ALNWICK RFC A GREAT CLUB WITH A MASSIVE HEART- A WARM WELCOME AWAITS

Border Park RFC

Contact details We are England’s most remote rugby club, located in the heart of Kielder forest close to the border with Scotland. Formed in 1961 the by a group of foresters and hill BORDER PARK R.F.C. farmers our club was 50 years old in season 2011/12. Buttereyhaugh, Kielder, Northumberland, NE48 1ET. We are members of Northumberland RFU and play in the email:[email protected] county’s junior leagues. We run one team on Saturday and a junior team dependent on availability. Ours is a fun club, we play to win but we do like to enjoy ourselves and of course a post match beer or three is always welcome!

Our players travel from all over the north and south Tyne valleys with a number travelling over 40 miles for a home game. Our ground, Symons Park, is surely the most scenic in England. Situated in a natural tree lined bowl alongside the Facilities: Kielder Burn it is a beautiful place to play rugby. Of course Only basic but homely! One pitch and a we do suffer changeable weather and can see all four clubhouse renowned for its hospitality seasons in one day! Situated at around 700ft above sea level hard frost and snow can be a wee problem FALCONS RFC

Kingston Park ,Brunton Rd

Kenton Bank Foot

Newcastle upon Tyne, NE13 8AF

Kingston Park Metro approx. 20 mins from Monument Metro.

Our facilities

10,000 capacity stadium

Large car park

Numerous Bars

Function Rooms catering for up to 500

Disabled Access

3G pitch and a training pitch

Gym Facilities

The Newcastle Falcons are the only professional rugby club in the North East. Based just north of the city we will be staging numerous events throughout the Rugby World Cup Period.

The main event with be the Falcons Legends v Southern Hemisphere match to take place on Friday 2nd October which sees the old favourites return to Kingston Park for a very special event. All money raised will go to charity to ensure a legacy from the event.

The Newcastle Falcons have a dedicated Rugby World Cup Events officer who can be contacted on 0191 214 5588 who will be able to inform of current events and opportunities.

Please follow the Newcastle Falcons on Facebook and Twitter for regular updates

@Falconsrugby @FalconsCF

Newcastle University Rugby Football Club

Matthew Carter (Director of Rugby): Our facilities

[email protected] We have two grounds where we play our home matches with the 1st and 2nd XV Jack Cooke (Club Captain): rd th playing at Cochrane Park with the 3 , 4 [email protected] and fresher’s XV playing at Heaton.

Our new website - We train three times a week on http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/newcastleuniversityrugby 3G pitch, with the performance footballclub/ squad receiving Strength and Conditioning sessions twice a week in the performance Twitter and Instagram - @nurfc_1415 suite at the University sports centre.

We are a Men’s Rugby Union club who compete in the British Universities and College Sports (BUCS) leagues and have been in existence for over 110 years. has wonderful reputation for University rugby and being part of the club is an unforgettable and fantastic experience.

We have four teams representing Newcastle University and our squads form one of the largest and most competitive clubs at the University. Our 1st XV play in the BUCS Premier Division.

In the 2013/14 season, our 1st XV won the BUCS vase competition (the second highest competition in the country), with our 1st VII making the semi-final of the BUCS 7s tournament.

Many great players have played through the club going on to play for their respective countries and the British and Irish Lions. Geoff Parling (England), and (Rory Best) Ireland, being two recent examples.

Many club members have played age group rugby for their countries and attended Academies however the club also prides itself in providing rugby for everyone and in addition has a great women’s Club running two competitive sides and producing internationals such as Tamara Taylor who has just won a World Cup winners medal with England.

Prudhoe & Stocksfield RFC

Stocksfield C C

Main Road Club house open for a number of RWC 2015 Matches Stocksfield

Northumberland NE 43 7NN Friday 18 Sept 15 England vs Fiji 8pm Saturday 19 Sept Tonga vs Georgia Webpage:Look through PITCHERO South Africa Japan Ireland vs Canada [email protected] France vs Italy Wednesday 23 Sept France vs Romania 7.30pm Thursday 24 Sept New Zealand vs Namibia 7.30 The facilities are part of the Saturday 26 Sept Italy vs Canada South Africa vs Samoa Cricket Club and within the area England vs Wales you will find cricket, football and Sunday 27 Sept Australia vs Uruguay rugby pitches. The community Scotland vs USA also supports running, netball and Thursday 01 Oct France vs Canada 7.30 fitness training groups some under Saturday 03 Oct Samoa vs Japan lights and some of which use the South Africa vs Scotland multisport all weather area. England vs Australia Tuesday 06 Oct Fiji vs Uruguay 7.30 Bar and function room . Friday 09Oct New Zealand vs Samoa Saturday 10th Oct Scotland vs Japan Men/ FemaleToilets/ Disabled Wales vs Australia Toilets England vs Uruguay

17th October Quarter finals Saturday 16:00 18th October Quarter finals Sunday 13:00 24th and 25th October Semi Finals 31/10/2014 Final 16:00

Wallsend RFC

Wallsend Rugby Football Club Club house open for RWC 2015 Matches C/O The Barking Dog Social Club Kings Road North Contact details: RWC 2015 at Tynedale Park Wallsend NE28 9JJ England vs Fiji 8pm 18/09/2015 Friday 20.00 Tynedale Park The club will be running a number of rugby activities to Corbridge celebrate the Rugby World Cup 2015. Further information on Contact: Brian Thirlaway, Hon Secretary. Email: [email protected] England vs Wales 26/9/2015 Saturday 20.00 Northumberland these events will appear on our web site as they are finalised. NE45 5AY England vs Australia 3/10/2015 Saturday 20.00 Come on down to our club and enjoy some great World Cup Rugby with friends and colleagues. We will be showing all of www.tynedalerfc.co.uk the England matches live on our big projection screen, and we Our facilities England vs Uruguay 10/10/2015 Saturday 20.00 will also show a selection of other matches. Our Bar & Catering Steve Hull team will also be providing some great food on those match Shared Bar including Function Quarter Final 1 & 2 Saturday 17/10/15 16:00 Room and Lounge Bar, Kitchen, Marketing & Events Officer days. Full details will appear on our web site in 2015. All are Quarter Final 1 & 2 Sunday 18/10/15 16:00 Male, Female & Disabled WC [email protected] welcome, and you don’t have to be a member, just come along Semi Final 1 Saturday 24/10/15 17.00 and join in. Semi Final 2 Sunday 25/10/15 17.00 07592 029241 3 Pitches and changing facilities.

Wallace Cousin Final Saturday 31/10/15 16:00 Groundsman [email protected]

Our Facilities • A modern and well equipped clubhouse and changing/shower facility. • 5 rugby pitches (one floodlit) • One fully floodlit training pitch. • 400 seat grandstand. • Ample car-parking. • Corbridge Railway station at entrance and on bus route to Newcastle.

Tynedale RFC is a community rugby club with a thriving youth section for all ages, ladies rugby, touch rugby, 3 senior teams and a veterans team.

Our 1st XV play in , the third tier of English Rugby. Club badge – please ensure as high a West Tynedale Junior West End RFC quality jpeg as possible RFC

Contact details Our RWC2015 Activities Chairman: David Thornhill, tel Our RWC2015 Activities Website: West End RFC will be hosting a variety of community rugby 07810336537 or events during 2015. [email protected] We are a small, family orientated, juniors only club providing http://www.westendrfc.co.uk/ opportunities for young players aged 5 – 12 years to Facebook: Details will appear on the news pages of our website: Hon Secretary: Brian Juffs ,tel experience rugby union in a safe and friendly environment. http://www.westendrfc.co.uk/FB http://www.westendrfc.co.uk/ 07885992185 Twitter During the summer of 2015 we aim to maintain a presence at and our Facebook group @WestEndRFC village shows throughout west Northumberland, to promote https://www.facebook.com/groups/westendrfc/ Tel/Text: the club and recruit new players and volunteers in advance 447434239505 We train and play at Haydon of the Rugby World Cup. Bridge High School, North Bank, Haydon Bridge, Hexham, We hold training sessions and play fixtures every Sunday Northumberland NE47 morning throughout the season from 10.30am until midday at Haydon Bridge High School. Visitors are always welcome. We hire a pavilion from the school Our facilities which serves as our clubhouse, Please check the club website at West End RFC is based at All and the school playing fields www.pitchero.com/clubs/westtynedalejuniors for further Saints Sports Centre in West provide well maintained and details. Denton drained pitches with excellent views across the beautiful South http://www.allsaintscollegesportscen Tyne valley. tre.com/

In addition to rugby, the centre has facilities for numerous activities including a floodlit 3G 5-a-side pitch, and a well equipped gym. New Zealand –v- Northumberland (1905)

JOURNAL 14.10.1905

THE NEW ZEALANDERS AT

After the “tall” scoring of the visitors, it was generally expected that Northumberland would be pretty fully occupied in defensive work and this turned out to the case, especially with New Zealand having the strong wind at their backs in the first half. The visitors played their usual open game, and once started scoring, which was not until eleven minutes after the kick-off, they ran in tries with considerable frequency gaining before half-time a lead of two goals and four tries. There was more danger from Northumberland after the interval, and the visitors’ line had several very narrow escapes as well as the goal, which Henderson just missed with a long drop from beyond the “25”. On the whole, the second half was more even, New Zealand only getting in three tries and no goal resulting. Though interfered with by the wind and the slippery ball, the visitors gave a fine display of open football and the cheers that greeted them on entering the field were renewed when they left the arena, handsome winners by two goals and seven tries to nil.

New Zealand –v- Northumberland (1924) - from Journal 10.10.24

ALL BLACKS ALMOST HELD Northumberland’s Gallant Defenders

The All Blacks of 1924 will always retain lively recollections of their match with Northumberland at , for whatever they may think of the other Northern Counties they cannot have feelings other than those of respect for the men who so gallantly kept them at bay with desperate tackling, delightful covering and splendid unselfishness. The New Zealanders won their sixteenth match by 27 points to 4, but they had to thank in great measure their extra stamina, training and staying power for what on paper would appear to be a fairly decisive victory.

New Zealand –v- Northumberland/Durham (1935)

JOURNAL 10.10.35

ALL BLACKS ONLY WIN BY FOUR POINTS WELL HELD AT GOSFORTH BEST DISPLAY BY A JOINT XV AGAINST TOURISTS

By HOTSPUR

Northumberland and Durham 7, All Blacks 10.

Northumberland and Durham put up such a great game against the All Blacks at Gosforth yesterday that the issue was in doubt to the final whilst. Only by a dropped goal margin were the New Zealanders successful – 1 dropped goal, 2 tries against 2 tries – and territorially they were not the superior side.