It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Ian McDonald, who died peacefully with all his family around him after a courageous two-year battle with liver cancer. Ian was only 60 years old and has been taken from this world far too early.

Ian was a valued member of our club, playing initially for the 3Bs (a team sourced from Northumbria University, or more commonly known as ‘the Poly!’) He went on to play for a number of the teams over a 10-year period (between 1985 and 1995) He was never one to miss a party so was often one of the last to leave the club after the game and regularly tested the patience of his dear wife, Sue!

Ian played rugby as he lived his life – with a smile on his face always trying to emulate his positional and Scottish hero -Gavin Hastings!! He was as popular at Novos as he was in all walks of life and will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

His funeral was on Friday 15th August 2025 at Northumberland Woodland Burial & Crematorium with the wake at the City of Newcastle Golf club. It was a fitting tribute – full of emotion but also full of laughter – he would’ve loved it!

He leaves behind his wife Sue and their two children, Amy and Will to whom we extend our heartfelt condolences.

Andy Silver