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 Men and Women have had outstanding seasons in 2025/26, with the Men's 1st team winning the National League, Championship and 9s titles; the Men's 2nd team winning the Trophy; and the Women's 1st team winning the Winter League, Winter Final and 9s titles.
Women's Rugby League were awarded Club of the Year Award at Northumbria Sports Ball Awards 2026, with Men's Rugby League 1s team shortlisted for Team of the Year, and Women's Captain Sophie Price shortlisted for Commitment to Sport.
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
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
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
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
Thursdays 18:00-20:00 (Coach Lane)
Fixtures included
COMPETE Rugby League W2 - £175 per person
W2 Coach - Nathan Gaughan
Thursdays 18:00-20:00 (Coach Lane)
Fixtures included
Students enquiring about joining the club in 2026/27 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
The Rugby League club is supported by Northumbria Sport Clubs Officer Jade Featherstone
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