Rugby League

Rugby League at Northumbria is headed up by Jason Payne and is one of our most successful teams in recent years. The club itself have held the National Championship title for the last five years and will be looking to repeat this again this coming season!

Rugby League currently compete in the highest possible leagues in BUCS over three teams and are constantly looking for new players to join the ranks. The club are hardworking, ambitious and constantly looking to improve as a squad and as individual players. The club has very close links with Newcastle Thunder and Gateshead Storm.

The club has a large social aspect and an emphasis on fun during training sessions, allowing newcomers to not only learn the rules of the game but also easily integrate with current squad members and settle in with ease. Moreover, the relative size of the club allows a heightened level of inclusivity between its members, as all of the squad are able to train together leading to a feeling of family amongst all involved.

As well as weekly fixtures for both squads, they also compete in a Rugby League 9’s competitions hosted by BUCS throughout the year.

Rugby League had an outstanding season in 2023/24, with the Men's 1st and 2nd teams completing their respective BUCS triple, winning league, cup and 9s events. In addition, the Women's 1st team won their Winter League in their inaugural season. The Club were awarded the Club of the Year award in the annual Northumbria Sport Awards. In addition, Head Coach Jason Payne was also shortlisted for Coach of the Year and Club President Ben Morris was shortlisted for Committee Member of the Year.

All club training has now ceased for 2023/24. Students enquiring about joining the club in 2024/25 season can contact the Club Committee via email or instagram. 2024/25 memberships will be available to purchase from September 2024.

Men's 1st team:  

Mondays 20:00-21:45 - Coach Lane 3G

Fridays 07:30-09:00 - Coach Lane 3G

Perform memberships are determined by the Head Coach of each sport through Focus Sport Scholarship applications prior to the seaons starting. (See "Student Athletes" tab for more information). All PERFORM squads are now full

“COMPETE”  £200

Men's 2nd team:  Mondays 20:00-21:45 - Coach Lane 3G  

Men's 3rd team:  Tuesdays 20:00-21:45 - Coach Lane 3G  

Women's 1st & 2nd  team:  Tuesdays 20:00-21:45 - Coach Lane 3G

This membership offers regular coached sessions and includes opportunities to take part in BUCS fixtures. In additional to our focus 1st PERFORM teams, we also have Men's 2nd & 3rd and Womens 1st & 2nd teams entered in to BUCS this year. COMPETE memberships can only be purchased following successful squad selection during our Big Week of Sport. 

BUCS home fixtures take place either at Coach Lane 3G pitches or occasionally at Kingston Park Stadium.

Key Contacts

Head Coach: Jason Payne  jason.payne@northumbria.ac.uk

Club Presidents: Ben Morris (M) & Izzy Suggitt (w)

Engagement Officers: Luke Jeremy (M) & Helena Sadeghi (W)

1st team Captains: Michael Hansen (M1) & Sophie Price (W1)

The Rugby League club is supported by Northumbria Sport's Club Development Officer Amy Hargrave.