A new era for rugby in North
Jan 19 2009 by Sam Wood, The Journal
A NEW era for North East rugby began this weekend when Northumbria University officially took over Newcastle Falcons’ stadium.
The university took the keys to the ground on Saturday, having bought Kingston Park from Northern Rock for £8m.
Newcastle Falcons’ clash against Brive provided the platform for the university to showcase its new facility and plans to staff and students.
More than 400 people from across the university community attended the game where David Chesser, the Deputy Vice Chancellor, was able to outline the university’s plans for the future.
He said the university wanted to make a huge difference to rugby in the North East.
Northumbria is the only university in the UK which can offer an outdoor facility of the quality of Kingston Park and there are exciting plans for the future. The Journal was the first to report the possible buyout of the ground from Northern Rock in October last year.
The Falcons, who play in rugby union’s Guinness Premiership, have played at the ground since 1990.
Mr Chesser said: “If we can work alongside the Falcons to ensure they enjoy a high level of success in the future then we’ll have something very, very special here. This weekend was the start of what we hope to achieve as the new owners of Kingston Park.
“As one of the largest organisations in the region we can really make a difference to rugby in Newcastle and the North East. It’s great to be in a position where we can get behind the Falcons and offer a benefit to our staff, students and, of course, elite rugby players.
“As we move forward what we want to do is ensure Team Northumbria’s rugby sides regularly play out of Kingston Park. Why not host BUCS (British Universities & Colleges Sport) fixtures here at 6pm on a Wednesday night under the floodlights?
“University rugby is being played at a very high level these days and now we have the facilities to match.
“Of course Northumbria University has had strong links with the Falcons for many years now – Jamie Noon is the perfect example of a former student who continues to play the game at the highest level – and this move simply strengthens those links.
“If you factor in our new £26m city centre sports centre which will open in 2010 it becomes clear why we can offer something unique in the future. Many universities boast excellent facilities but very few are able to offer them within the city.”
