Novocastrians RFC

Formation and Royal Grammar School origins

On 15 September 1899, Old Novocastrians Rugby Football Club was formed by a group of former pupils of the Royal Grammar School, Newcastle. A letter was circulated announcing:

A proposed new club for Newcastle: A meeting will be held at the Grammar School, Rye Hill under the auspices of Old Novocastrians Club, for the purpose of forming a new rugby club. The attendance of Grammar school boys is specially required.

The term Novocastrian derives from the Latin Novus (new) and Castrum (fort or castle), and historically referred to inhabitants of Newcastle upon Tyne, recorded in medieval Latin as Novocastrum. The term was later adopted by former pupils of the Royal Grammar School. The first match was played against North Durham 2nd XV on 23 September 1899 at Felling, only days after formation, followed by the club's first victory on 21 October 1899 against Walker. In the early years, Old Novocastrians had no permanent home ground and played at various venues across Newcastle, including Walker, Wallsend and Gosforth. ^[2]

Early development and county rugby

By the early 20th century, the club had become established within Northumberland rugby. Percy Phillips became the first Old Novocastrian to represent Northumberland, playing against Durham in 1906. By 1914, eleven players from the club had represented the county. In 1908, Phillips and Buck Stewart both appeared for Northumberland in the same fixture against Cumberland. In 1909, the club faced structural difficulties due to limited membership and lack of a permanent ground, leading to an amalgamation with St George's Rugby Football Club, which strengthened playing numbers. Between 1911 and 1913, the club enjoyed one of its strongest early periods, reaching the Northumberland Senior Cup final and regularly fielding competitive first XV sides. Administrative leadership during this period included John Bell and Eddie Watson. In 1910, Northumberland played a county fixture at RGS’ ground with three Old Novocastrians in the side during a 17–6 win over Cheshire. In 1912, four club players represented the county against Cheshire. ^[2]

First World War and post-war instability

The outbreak of the First World War in 1914 halted rugby activity, with approximately 92 per cent of club members joining the armed forces. Competitive rugby ceased during the war years. Following the war, the club reformed in 1919 but faced major difficulties, including loss of its ground lease and financial liabilities. Temporary arrangements were made to play at the school fields of the Royal Grammar School, Newcastle before a period of instability followed, with fixtures played across multiple venues including Benton Road golf course, Brough Park Racecourse and West Avenue, Gosforth. In 1925, the club secured a more stable base at Benton Lodge following negotiations supported by guarantors including Eddie Watson, Don Ash and Paul Lazzari. ^[2]

Sutherland Park and inter-war development

In 1927, Sir Arthur Sutherland financed the purchase of the ground at Benton Lodge for £4,000, enabling the club to establish a permanent home. The ground was renamed Sutherland Park, and significant investment followed, including the construction of a clubhouse, which was completed in 1928 and remains in use. The first match at the new pavilion was played in April 1928 against Ryton. During the inter-war period, the club entered a successful phase, with thirteen Old Novocastrians representing Northumberland in the 1930s. The club reached the Northumberland Senior Cup final in 1933, 1934 and 1938, and also achieved success across multiple XVs in Northumberland RFU competitions. A long-standing rivalry with Gosforth developed during this period, with fixtures attracting large local crowds. ^[2]

Second World War and post-war rebuilding

The Second World War again halted competitive rugby, with many players serving in the armed forces. The club resumed activity in 1945, initially fielding a single team before rebuilding to multiple senior sides by the late 1940s. Administrative leadership by Eddie Watson and Walter Dix was central to the club's post-war recovery. In 1949, the club celebrated its 50th anniversary. During the post-war era, several players represented Northumberland, including Eric Reeve, Brian Reeve, George Thompson and Peter Taylor. Taylor later became Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales and chaired the Taylor Report into the Hillsborough disaster. ^[2]

1960s and transition to open membership

In 1959 John Elders, England Head Coach (1972–74) and sports master at the Royal Grammar School, joined the club as player and captain and helped revitalise the club. In 1965, the clubhouse was extended. In 1969, membership was opened beyond former pupils of the Royal Grammar School and the club became Novocastrians Rugby Football Club. ^[2]

League rugby and 1980s–1990s success

The introduction of league rugby in 1987 saw Novocastrians placed in North East 2, achieving promotion unbeaten in their first season. They later reached North East 1 and remained there for six seasons. The club regularly competed against competed against sides including Rotherham and Doncaster, while maintaining traditional New Year fixtures against Newcastle Red Bulls (Gosforth), including notable victories in 1988 and 1989. At its peak, the club fielded up to seven senior teams. ^[2]

Women's rugby and early 1990s developments

In 1992, Novocastrians reached the Northumberland Senior Cup Final. Women's rugby was also introduced at the end of the season, becoming the eight senior side within the Club. The women's team won National Division Three in 1994 with a perfect season and were promoted into the Premiership structure in 1995. A clubhouse extension was completed in 1994. ^[2]

Decline, restructuring and modern era

By 2001, Novocastrians had reached Durham/Northumberland 3 following a period of decline. The club rebuilt through the 2000s, gaining promotions and stabilising in higher divisions. In 2016, they won the Northumberland Senior Plate, repeating in 2018 and 2026. The club reached the Northumberland Senior Cup final in 2022, losing to Alnwick RFC. The club currently plays in Regional 2 North after winning Counties 1 Durham & Northumberland in 2026, finishing top of the league in 2025–26, the Club's highest finish of the 21st Century. ^[2]