The men play their first home league game of the season in Durham and Northumberland 1 when they take on Stockton at 3pm. They will be hoping to build on last week's defeat away to West Hartlepool, against a team who had been relegated from the North East league the previous season. Always likely to be a tough game, which we lost 51-27, there was plenty of spirit on show with some determined defence especially on our own line. 4 excellent tries game us a bonus point; I'm not sure there will be that many teams take that away from West this season.

The ladies play their first league game of the season in Championship North, when they take on Lichfield Ladies at 2.30pm. Last season, the ladies were pipped to third place in the league by just a single point, and will be hoping to make amends this year. Lichfield have a very good pedigree in ladies rugby. They were in the Premiership from 2002 to 2017, until they were deselected by the RFU for the new Women's Super Rugby. They have a long list of recent internationals, including our very own Sarah Hunter MBE, and World Rugby Women's Player of the Year in 2016.

Additionally, our 2nd XV play a friendly against South Shields Westoe at 12.30pm. Lots and lots happening on the pitches.

Following on from our recent successful Beer Festival, we are putting on a cask ale (Tyneside Blond), and also the very popular whiskey cider from the festival!

There will be 2 live Premiership games televised on BT Sport, so all things considered, if rugby is your sport, Novos is the place to be for this Super Saturday!