Newcastle backed to host two major rugby union finals

Newcastle is launching an ambitious bid to host two major rugby union finals in a month during May 2018.

The European Rugby Champions Cup final and European Rugby Challenge Cup final may both be staged in the northeast city if the bid put together by a city-wide consortium is successful.

St James’ Park, home to Newcastle United FC, has been lined up to host the former, while Kingston Park Stadium, the stadium belonging to Premiership Rugby side Newcastle Falcons, would stage the latter.

The consortium includes Newcastle City Council, NewcastleGateshead Initiative, Newcastle United FC and Newcastle Rugby Ltd.

Premiership Rugby and the Rugby Football Union (RFU) has given the proposal their blessing.

St James’ Park hosted three matches when England staged the 2015 Rugby World Cup. It has also hosted rugby league’s Magic Weekend for the past two season.

Phil Winstanley, rugby director at Premiership Rugby, said the city was “crying out for a big rugby union final”, adding that hosting the finals would “deliver a big boost to the game in a hotbed for the sport”.