Gateshead re-brand to Newcastle Thunder

James Gordon

Gateshead have rebranded to Newcastle Thunder with immediate effect.

The expected move follows the purchase of the club last year by Newcastle Rugby Ltd, and ahead of a proposed move to Kingston Park, home of Newcastle Falcons rugby union club.

Thunder chairman Bill Midgley said: “We are delighted to confirm the name change to Newcastle Thunder. Newcastle upon Tyne is renowned around the world as being a sporting city. With the purchase last year of the club by Newcastle Rugby Ltd, the proposed move to Kingston Park and the support of the city council for rugby league the name change is both logical and the next step in our evolution. 

“With the Super League Magic Weekend coming to St James Park in Newcastle it promises to be a high profile year for the sport in the north east.

A new updated logo draws on many elements of the original Gateshead badge, and the club colours of purple, yellow, black and white will remain.

The change has been approved by the RFL, and the club are now waiting for Newcastle City Council to give the green light to the move to Kingston Park.

 

Professional rugby league will be returning to Newcastle for the first time in 77 years. Newcastle Rugby League FC played two seasons from 1936-38.