Newcastle Falcons are embarking on an exciting new era with the launch of their women’s team.
Initially forming as an invitational side with the intention of bringing together players from across the area, the team will play up to six games during the 2019-20 season with Kingston Park as their home ground.
The aim is to gain Tyrrells Premier 15s status, the top level of English women’s club rugby, with the club submitting an application this season.
Newcastle Falcons chairman Semore Kurdi said: “We would love to have women’s and girls’ teams representing the club.
“Our aim is to inspire female athletes and provide role models for girls participating in the sport, and as well as launching our new team we also intend to develop the women’s and girls’ game as a whole, including holding development sessions for girls.”
Former Newcastle front-rower Rob Vickers, who played more than 200 first team games for the Falcons, has been appointed as head coach, providing experience and expertise on what it takes to achieve at the highest level in the club game.
Vickers will be working closely with Northumbria University as their head coach, but will also be drawing in players from other university and club teams.
He said: “This is a hugely exciting project and I feel privileged to be part of it.
“North East England already has a huge reputation in the women’s game with multiple England captains and Rugby World Cup winners coming from the area, and it’s great that the Falcons are so positive in embracing it.”
Newcastle Falcons director of rugby Dean Richards said: “Rugby has long prided itself on being an inclusive game, and having a women’s team at the Falcons is a natural extension of that.
“In Rob Vickers they certainly have a coach who knows the game well, and it’s a big opportunity for people to come and be involved in a really exciting initiative from the inception stage. It would be great to see Newcastle Falcons competing strongly at Premiership level in both the men’s and women’s game in the not too distant future, and hopefully this is an initiative which can grow and grow.”
Those interested in joining the mailing list for information about the new team should email robert.vickers@newcastle–falcons.co.uk .