EVENTS FOR EVERYONE 

The Women’s Rugby World Cup is coming, but the fun starts now.

Let’s make the North East the heartbeat of women’s rugby – one pass, one cheer, one slightly chaotic training session at a time, this dedicated page is jammed packed with events to get involved with. Keep reading and don’t forget to check our socials too!

North East Beach Festival Series

• 12 July – Bamburgh Beach – 10am-3pm
• 19 July – St Bees
• 26 July – Tynemouth
• 16 August – Durham
• 20 August – Roker Beach

Get ready to swap your boots for sand between your toes and dive into a summer like no other! Our Beach Festival Series brings 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.

A day filled with beach rugby matches and skills sessions that’ll have you running, passing, and maybe even attempting a cheeky try in the surf.

 Schools Rugby Festivals at Kingston Park | 1.7.25, 2.7.25 & 3.7.25

We’re throwing open the gates at Kingston Park for three festival days bursting with rugby, laughter, and a whole lot of team spirit thanks to our partners AK Teaching.

1 July: Secondary Schools Festival 

This festival is a fantastic opportunity for students in Years 7 to 11 to experience T1 Rugby—the RFU’s innovative new non-contact format that keeps the spirit and skills of rugby alive in a safe, inclusive environment. Teams can be mixed gender or single gender, making this a welcoming event for all.

Time: 12:00pm – 3:00pm
Venue: Kingston Park Stadium

Here’s the lowdown

• 12:00pm: Early arrival for schools wishing to eat lunch at the stadium
• 12:30pm: Arrival for all schools
• 12:45pm: Teacher briefing
• 1:00pm: First games kick off
• 2:40pm: Games finish
• 2:45pm: Festival concludes and schools depart

What to Expect:

• Competitive yet friendly matches between year groups from different schools.
• Games played under T1 Rugby rules—a non-contact, fast-paced version of rugby that includes lineouts, scrums, and kicking without tackles or breakdowns.
• An inclusive environment encouraging participation from all students, regardless of experience or ability.

2 July: Primary Schools Festival

Time: 12:00pm – 2:45pm
Who: Boys & girls, KS2 (Years 3–6)

What to expect:

• T1 Rugby (non-contact, so no muddy knees—unless you really try)
• 7-a-side matches for maximum action and giggles
• Teacher training and coaching sessions from our NRF coaches—perfect for picking up tips or just showing off your whistle skills

3 July: SEN Schools Festival

Just so you know there are 3 slots, four groups per slot—plenty of space for everyone! Those time slots are:

• 10:00–12:00
• 12:15–13:15
• 13:30–14:30

What to expect: 

• Fun rugby activities and games designed for all abilities
• Fully inclusive—every participant gets to play, cheer, and shine

Girls Festival at Tynedale RUFC | 24.8.25

To celebrate the Women’s Rugby World cups kicking off in Sunderland, Tynedale RUFC is throwing the ultimate Girls Rugby bash  on Sunday 24th August—and every U12, U14, U16 & U18 team is officially invited. Bring your teammates, your best dance moves, and that signature team spirit.

What’s in store?

• Rugby galore (obviously!)
• Games, music, and more entertainment than you can shake a muddy boot at
• 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.

So, are you in? Let’s show the world how the North East celebrates—one try, one tune, and one epic day at a time.

Fan Zone —Join the Rugby Party!

Can’t make it to the stadium? Or just want to double up on the World Cup buzz? The Fan Zone is your front-row ticket to all the action—no scrum cap required.

From Thursday 21 August to Saturday 23 August, join us at Keel Edge and Keel Square.

Why Fan Zone?

Because this is where the North East’s rugby heart beats loudest! Think giant screens, live match action, street food that’s almost as good as mum’s, and a festival atmosphere that’ll have you dancing in your shirt sleeves (rain or shine). Bring your mates, your family, or just your best cheer—everyone’s welcome in the Fan Zone.

What’s On:

• Live screenings of every big match—feel the drama, the joy, and the last-minute tries with hundreds of fellow fans
• Rugby games and challenges for all ages (yes, adults can join in too—no judgement here)
• Music, entertainment, and maybe even a surprise visit from a rugby legend or two
• Food stalls, face paint, and enough good vibes to last until the final whistle
• On the evening of Thursday 21 there will also be a tie up with Sunderland Music City featuring local talent and musicians.
• Post game on Friday evening, there will a firework display from Riverside Park which can be viewed from across the city centre.

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.