Newcastle Thunder Confirm Coaching and Performance Team for 2027 Season

Newcastle Thunder are pleased to confirm their coaching and performance staff for the 2027 season, with Craig Huby appointed as Head Coach.

Huby will lead the club into the new campaign, supported by Alex Donaghy as Assistant Coach, with Tom Scott taking responsibility for strength and conditioning and Pete Ryan in the role of Physiotherapist.

The appointments bring together the coaching, physical preparation and medical expertise required to prepare the Thunder squad for the challenges of the 2027 season.

As Head Coach, Huby will oversee the team's preparations and on-field performances, working closely with Donaghy and the wider backroom staff to develop the squad and establish the standards needed to compete in the Championship.

Scott will lead the squad's strength and conditioning programme, ensuring players are physically prepared for the demands of the season, while Ryan will oversee the team's physiotherapy provision, supporting injury rehabilitation and recovery throughout the campaign.

Craig Huby, Newcastle Thunder Head Coach, said:
"I'm really excited for the opportunity to take the Head Coach appointment at a club that's on the up. I'm ready to go and excited to meet the players. We have a nucleus of the squad signed up for 2027, based around people who want to commit to Newcastle and take the club to the next level. It will look a little different from 2026 with us being part-time and back in Newcastle but for me that's part of the excitement."

"The playing group will be expected to train at a high intensity and there's a big focus on effort areas that don't require any talent. The coaching staff will have them working hard and it will be clear what a Newcastle player should look like. I've played at the highest level in the UK and I am a coach who likes to move the ball around so fans can expect an expansive style of rugby on the field."

Newcastle Thunder CEO Richie Metcalfe welcomed the appointments and outlined the club's ambitions ahead of the 2027 campaign.

Richie Metcalfe, Newcastle Thunder CEO, said:
"I'm delighted to welcome Craig to the club and to bring back a person of Alex's quality. When Graham notified us of his intention to step down we began a lengthy search for someone that could take us forward long term. Craig fits the bill perfectly and comes with a fantastic references from some distinguished people in the game, Graham included." 

"We know exactly what Alex will bring, and I am excited to see how he grows into the role and develop the culture at the club with Craig. They're both well known amongst the York staff and will work closely with them in the performance partnership to develop the players coming through the pathways. We couldn't have asked for a better pairing to take us into 2027 and beyond."

The club looks forward to welcoming supporters back for the 2027 season as preparations continue for the campaign ahead with Season Ticket details will be confirmed in due course.