EVENTS FOR EVERYONE
The Women’s Rugby World Cup is here, and our legacy is set to last.
In our role as Community Engagement Programme Partners, we were proud to make the North East the heartbeat of women’s rugby – one pass, one cheer, one slightly breezy beach session at a time. Over six months in the run up to the first game of the tournament between England and USA at the Stadium of Light, we reached over 1,500 people and brought the love of rugby to those it mightn’t have reached otherwise. We hosted four beach festivals at popular coastal destinations across the region, a mini WRWC week right here at Kingston Park, a summer series of touch rugby and an incredible Charity Lunch marking 50 days to go with some very special guests.
Trophy Tour | 4.6.25
The Women’s Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour came to Hylton Castle!
On Wednesday 4 June, between 3-4pm, the Women’s Rugby World Cup trophy made a sparkling stop at Hylton Castle—and NRF were in amongst the action. We hosted a special rugby taster session on the grounds of the castle, introducing young people to the wonderful game in beautiful surroundings, with the famous trophy in the backdrop.
It was a great opportunity to soak in the World Cup magic before the tournament kicks off in August at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland. Connecting with community and opening imaginations, with a little bit of rugby sparkle.
North East Beach Festival Series
- 6 July – South Shields
- 12 July – Bamburgh Beach
- 26 July – Tynemouth
- 20 August – Seaburn Beach
We welcomed all ages, genders and abilities to swap their boots for sand and dive into a summer like no other! Our Beach Festival Series brought together everything you love about rugby — the camaraderie, the thrills, the laughs — with the laid-back vibes of the North East’s most breath-taking coastlines. These events were open to all ages, genders and abilities, so anyone could come and join in with the fun.
The Charity Lunch of the Year | 3.7.25
To mark 50 days to go to the Rugby World Cup, we gathered over 200 guests to Kingston Park Stadium for an event with a difference. This wasn’t just any fundraising event, this was a celebration of community, overcoming adversity, the rise and hope for the women’s game and the overwhelming bravery of the people we help.
We raised over £20,000 for both Newcastle Rugby Foundation and Wooden Spoon, helping to fund projects that help disadvantaged people across the North East, and give a resounding, favourable nod to the work already done across our region. Rugby is changing lives, and this afternoon proved that it will continue to do so with the power of people at the heart of everything we do.
Mini World Cup Week | 4.7.25
In July, Newcastle Rugby Foundation was proud to host Mini World Cup Week at Kingston Park Stadium, welcoming hundreds of young people from across the region for three unforgettable days of rugby, inclusion, and inspiration. Delivered in partnership with AK Teaching, the event brought their network of schools together to celebrate the spirit of the game and the build-up to the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025.
Each day saw a different group of young people take centre stage:
- Tuesday 1st July – Secondary school students showed competitive flair and teamwork on the pitch.
- Wednesday 2nd July – Primary school pupils brought energy and enthusiasm in a festival-style day of fun and learning.
- Thursday 3rd July – The week closed with a truly heartwarming day for SEN schools, where inclusive sport took the spotlight and showed the power of rugby to unite and uplift.
Girls Festival at Tynedale RUFC | 24.8.25
To celebrate the Women’s Rugby World cups kicking off in Sunderland, Tynedale RUFC threw the ultimate Girls Rugby bash on Sunday 24th August—and every U12, U14, U16 & U18 team was officially invited. They brought their teammates, best dance moves, and that signature team spirit.
What was in store?
- Rugby galore (obviously!)
- Games, music, and entertainment
- Dancing, laughter, and a few surprises—because what’s a rugby day without a little chaos?
- The chance to make memories, new friends, and maybe even a TikTok or two.
Find Your Rugby Family—It’s Closer Than You Think!
Whether you’re itching to play, keen to coach, ready to referee, or just want to be part of the action, there’s a spot waiting for you at your local club.
Why Join?
Because rugby isn’t just about tackles and tries—it’s about finding your people, sharing laughs, and making memories that last longer than your muddy socks. No experience? No problem. All ages, all abilities, all backgrounds—everyone’s welcome.
How to Start:
- Looking for a club in Northumberland? Northumberland RFU can point you in the right direction.
- Looking for a club in Durham? Durham RFU can help you find your nearest team.
- Looking for a club in Cumbria? Cumbria RFU will help you find your local club.
So, what are you waiting for? Your rugby adventure—and your new squad—are just around the corner. Let’s spark something brilliant together.
Fan Zone — at The Heart of the World Cup
Potentially the highlight of it all, we welcomed thousands of rugby fans to our Fanzone in Sunderland’s booming Keel Square ahead of ENGUSA 🏆, and what an experience. Our fanzone was powered by Sage Foundation and used data and technology to provide fans with some fun interactive challenges. A huge thank you to our valued partners Sage for this continued support of our work.
It marked the end of our pre-World Cup activities, but it very much felt like only the start for the legacy it will leave. A landmark day that has transformed Sunderland into a hot spot of culture and celebration, showcasing the incredible new developments in the city and the capability rugby has to change lives and bring so much joy. Thank you to everyone that came to see us, and we look forward to the next 12 months of this legacy project.
Bringing rugby to your School
We understand that many schools face challenges when it comes to delivering rugby within the PE curriculum—whether that’s due to limited capacity or lack of specialist expertise. This schools project is designed to change that by providing practical support and ongoing development for your teaching team.
What’s Included:
- A half-term of rugby lessons delivered directly in your school by experienced coaches, introducing students to the fundamentals of rugby in a fun, safe, and inclusive way.
- Comprehensive CPD (Continuing Professional Development) sessions for teachers, equipping you with the skills and confidence needed to deliver rugby lessons independently after the project finishes.
- Ongoing support and access to the Newcastle Rugby Foundation (NRF) database, ensuring your school is kept informed and invited to participate in future rugby initiatives and opportunities that suit your needs.
How to Get Involved:
We tailor the programme to fit your school’s unique environment and student needs, whether you’re introducing rugby for the first time or looking to expand your existing provision. This is a fully funded opportunity, designed to support your staff and enrich your PE offering without adding pressure to your workload.
If you’re interested in bringing rugby to your school and empowering your teachers with expert training, please get in touch with Gavin Beasley our Operations and Delivery Manager – gavin.beasley@newcastle-falcons.co.uk.
