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.
Rugby League memberships on offer in 2025/26:
PERFORM Rugby League M1 - one of our Focus Teams, entry via Scholarship application only
Head Men's Coach - Jason Payne
Training times:
Mondays 20:00-22:00 (Coach Lane)
Fridays 07:00-09:00 (Coach Lane)
Includes BUCS team entry (National) - fixtures typically take place on Wednesdays
COMPETE Rugby League M2 - £240 per person
M2 Coach - Jake Lightowler
Training times:
Mondays 20:00-22:00 (Coach Lane)
Fridays 07:00-09:00 (Coach Lane)
Includes BUCS team entry (Northern 1A) - fixtures typically take place on Wednesdays
COMPETE Rugby League M3 - £220 per person
M3 Coach - Craig Banks
Training times:
Mondays 20:00-22:00 (Coach Lane)
Fridays 07:00-09:00 (Coach Lane)
Includes BUCS team entry - fixtures typically take place on Wednesdays
PERFORM Rugby League W1 - one of our Focus Teams, entry via Scholarship application only
Head Women's Coach - Adam Houston
Training times:
Tuesdays 19:00-21:00 (Coach Lane)
Fixtures included
COMPETE Rugby League W2 - £175 per person
W2 Coach - Nathan Gaughan
Training times:
Tuesdays 19:00-21:00 (Coach Lane)
Fixtures included
2025/26 memberships will only be available to purchase via an online link shared following the squad selection event during Big Week of Sport (BWOS) which is running from 25th September – 5th October 2025.
All club memberships must be purchased no later than Monday 6th October.
Speak to the club at Sports Fair on Wednesday 24th September for more information or email them as below.
Students enquiring about joining the club in 2025/26 season can contact the Club Committee via email or instagram.
Key Contacts
Head Coach: Jason Payne
Men's President: Harry Lowery
Men's 1st Captain: Michael Hansen
Women's President: Grace Ellis
Women's 1st Captain: TBC
The Rugby League club is supported by Northumbria Sport Clubs Officer Jade Featherstone
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