Newcastle Thunder 2025

This week brought some welcome news for Newcastle Thunder that their home venue for this season and next has been confirmed as Blaydon RFC after agreement was reached with the RFL.

Blaydon RFC from the main stand

Personally, I've been made to feel welcome when visiting Blaydon for games against Hunslet and North Wales Crusaders last season. I've also attended a fan's meeting and the end of season player awards. I know I'm not the only one who feels like that, but it is a really good starting point for this partnership.

As things stand this is the best decision for the club and that's what is the most important thing. The club can offer hospitality to fans and having access to a clubhouse give a rugby club feel to the place.

There has been some concerns raised from fans which as fans we will work through with the club. If anyone reads this and has concerns about how to get to games, feel free to get in touch. Also a lack of infrastructure and the clubhouse being away from the pitch have been raised. The infrastructure is what it is, but the bonus is it allows you to be closer to the pitch. In relation to the clubhouse, there is a pitch side facility that serves, food, soft drink and alcohol. It might not be ideal but as i've said earlier, this is the best thing for the club at the moment.

Blaydon RFC themselves, have a strong junior and senior section. Hopefully this move introduces a new group of people to rugby league, which can only be a good thing. As with a new location it also opens up a new potential supporter base, I have read comments from supporters of other rugby league fans who say they'll visit. This is encouraging and I'd encourage anyone who has an interest to come down to Blaydon and visit us.

Thunder take on Batley on Sunday 26th January at 15:00, just to remind people this isn't included in the membership, if you can please buy your ticket early as this helps the volunteers plan better. Adults are £15, under 18 for £5 and hospitality is available for £30 to include pre-match food. If you're curious about rugby league or a rugby league fan but will be in the area then get down to Blaydon and get behind Chris Thorman and the players.