Newcastle Thunder Academy Update

Newcastle Thunder have this week confirmed a change in approach for their Academy from 2024 which has been backed by the RFL.

Newcastle Thunder have this week confirmed a change in approach for their Academy from 2024 which has been backed by the RFL.
 
The club will continue to run and resource programmes at Under-16s and Under-18s level, to provide the best possible pathway and development programme for players from across the North East.
 
Instead of competing in the RFL Academy league, Thunder will now focus on providing players with the most beneficial playing opportunities possible whilst supporting the community game in the North East, and on strengthening their educational links with Tyne Metropolitan College and Northumbria University.
 
That will mean an Under-18s team competing in the College Premier League from September to March, with fixtures against the likes of Hull FC, Furness Raiders, Warrington Wolves and Castleford Tigers, before further fixtures against professional clubs from April to July.
 
Jordan Robinson, the Newcastle Thunder General Manager, said:
 
“We have given a lot of thought to what is best for our academy and the players in the region and after an extensive review with the RFL we have made some positive adjustments to our pathway.
 
“The new approach has been designed to provide more beneficial playing and development options for young players from the North-East, and importantly in a way that will complement the community clubs in the region so that we have a vibrant and strong community game for years to come.”
 
“The club will continue to devote significant investment to the Academy programme at Under-16 and Under-18 level, with players continuing to benefit from top quality coaching, strength and conditioning, physio and nutrition.
 
“We are working on finalising an official partnership with a Super League club to enable us to offer the best development opportunity for every player on our system.
 
“We also expect to see our best young players pushing for places in the England Community Lions programme, to give them the incentive of representative rugby.”
 
Dave Rotheram, the RFL’s Chief On-Field Officer, said:  
“We have worked closely with Newcastle Thunder and the wider North East Community in establishing a sustainable talent pathway.  The RFL fully supports Thunder’s decision to move to a more appropriate model under their current circumstances.”