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By JOHN DAVIDSON
Exclusive: Newcastle Thunder will have a reduced budget next year and move to a part-time model, but the club insists it will not fold.
According to sources, Newcastle’s funding with York will be heavily reduced in 2027.
York assumed ownership of the Thunder at the end of last year, with the Newcastle operating as a feeder club to the Super League side.
Newcastle currently sit second on the ladder of the Chanpionship, with 20 wins from 23 games.
“York and Thunder [will] continue with a close working relationship,”Newcastle CEO Richie Metcalfe told rugbyleguehub.com Long Reads.
“Both sides recognise the benefits of the model. Thunder are not folding.
“We’re going to be working under the salary cap that the RFL has set us. That’s something we’re accepting of.
“The player budget is being reduced in line with the new salary cap. I wasn’t in favour of the cap tiers.
“However, I’m accepting that, as a group of senior executives in the sport, we’re trying to reach a consensus that protects the future of the competition. This is paramount.”
Newcastle have played their home games at Crow Trees Ground, the home of Blaydon RUFC, for the past two seasons. Attendance figures for this year have not been published.
Newcastle’s hybrid model with York has seen overseas players signed for the Thunder and then star for the Knights in Supet League this year. But that will not be continued in 2027.
“We’re close to agreeing some very important strategic moves which will strengthen the commercial opportunities for the club,” Metcalfe said.
“A strategic partnership with the Military is close, this will help us service a wider group within the North East RL junior ranks and assist the RFL and the Military in their shared initiatives.
“We’re building something for the long haul, with the right people for the right reasons.”
