Northumbria University will tackle Newcastle University at St James’s Park in 2018 as one of the UK’s oldest and best supported varsity fixtures breaks new ground.
The fiercely contested clash doubles up as the undercard to Newcastle Falcons’ Aviva Premiership match against Northampton Saints.
Both games will take place back-to-back at Newcastle United’s 52,000-capacity stadium on Saturday March 24.
And Falcons’ bosses have dubbed their fixture ‘The Big One’ as North East Rugby Union looks to seize on the opportunity to showcase its appeal on the region’s biggest sporting stage.
“Northumbria University is delighted to be a part of this incredible event that will be a first for the North East,” said Northumbria University Director Of Sport Colin Stromsoy.
“As partners of the Newcastle Falcons and one of the leading Universities in the UK for rugby this is an incredible opportunity for our student athletes to showcase their talents in what promises to be an occasion everyone involved will never forget.
“To have one of the biggest varsity rugby matches anywhere in the UK take place in a stadium of the magnitude of St James's Park as a curtain raiser to the Newcastle Falcons Aviva Premiership match against Northampton shows just how far university rugby has come in the last few years.
“The Newcastle Falcons and Newcastle United FC should be commended for their vision in creating an event that we hope and expect will become a regular part of the sporting calendar in the North East for many years to come.
“We are absolutely delighted to play our part.”
Northumbria and Newcastle will kick off at 3pm prior to the Falcons’ hotly anticipated clash with Northampton (5.30pm ko).
Mick Hogan, managing director of Newcastle Falcons, said: “The Big One promises to be a major rugby occasion for the entire region to really get behind with adult tickets starting from just £10 and juniors from £5.
“We have set ourselves a target of 20,000 tickets sold for what will be a great day at a fantastic venue and one which has already shown itself to be more than capable of hosting top rugby events.
“The Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup in the morning will see more than 100 junior teams participating at Kingston Park Stadium before the focus turns to St James’s Park, which will host the city’s Varsity Match. That is a fixture which attracts a big following in its own right given the huge student population in Newcastle, and there will be a fan plaza outside the stadium with food, drink and entertainment.
“Newcastle Falcons’ Aviva Premiership match against Northampton will provide a fitting climax on what promises to be a massive day of rugby for a region which thrives upon staging these major events.”
St James’s Park successfully staged three matches during Rugby World Cup 2015, has hosted three Super League Magic Weekends and will be the venue for the 2019 European Champions Cup and Challenge Cup finals.
Newcastle Falcons director of rugby Dean Richards spoke of his excitement at The Big One, saying: “St James’s Park is an incredible stadium and this is a fantastic opportunity for us to take a game there.
“The passion for sport in our region and the commitment from the public in supporting major sporting events is second to none, and it will be a memorable day which people will want to be part of. I was working at Harlequins when they began a similar initiative of playing a game at Twickenham every season and they really are great occasions.”
As well as offering a day of top-class sporting entertainment The Big One will also raise funds and awareness for Doddie Weir’s Discretionary Trust, following the recent Motor Neurone Disease diagnosis of the Falcons and Scotland great. Details of this will be announced in due course.
Newcastle Falcons season ticket members will be entitled to a free East Stand ticket for the day, with season car park pass holders eligible for free parking. Falcons season ticket members wishing to access this ticket should contact the Falcons box office by calling 0871 226 6060, emailing fans@newcastle-falcons.co.uk or visiting in person during opening hours.
Falcons captain Will Welch spoke of his enthusiasm around The Big One and added: “As a kid from this area I was brought up watching Newcastle United games at St James’s Park and experiencing the amazing atmosphere there.
“For us as Falcons players to now go and play a game on that stage will be something truly special and I’m sure our supporters and the wider public in our region will buy into it.”
Lee Charnley, managing director of Newcastle United, said: “We’ve earned ourselves an excellent reputation in recent years for hosting top class rugby events at St James’s Park. As a wonderful precursor to the Dacia Magic Weekend taking place in May, we’re delighted to play host to ‘The Big One’ as the Newcastle Falcons take on Northampton Saints on March 24.
“Of course the opportunity to watch the varsity match between Newcastle and Northumbria universities at the stadium beforehand is certain to provide spectators with a superb day of rugby and we are, once again, proud to be the venue of choice for yet another great occasion in the North East’s sporting calendar.”
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