Novocastrians Ladies
Novocastrians Ladies are a women's rugby club who play in the Women's Championship 1 North (Tier 2). Their home ground is Sutherland Park.
Last updated May 2026
Key facts
| League | Women's Championship 1 North |
|---|---|
| Tier | Tier 2 |
| Home ground | Sutherland Park |
| Nearest station | Benton Metro |
| Matchday pub | Clubhouse bars at Sutherland Park |
| Official website | https://novos.co.uk/ |
Club history
Old Novocastrians Rugby Football Club was founded on 12 September 1899 by a group of former pupils of the Royal Grammar School Newcastle upon Tyne.
Shipping magnate and RGS benefactor Sir Arthur Munro Sutherland bought Benton Lodge for the club in 1925 and funded the clubhouse built in 1928 - and the ground was renamed Sutherland Park in his honour.
Ladies rugby arrived at Novocastrians in 1992 when Annie Lees led a women's group across from Newcastle Gosforth at Kingston Park to set up at Sutherland Park.
Future England captain and most-capped Red Rose Sarah Hunter joined Novocastrians around 2000-2001 as a teenager from North Shields - winning the Ladies Players Player of the Year and earning her first England U19 call-up while based at the club.
Sarah Hunter CBE returned to Novocastrians in 2025 as a Rugby World Cup ambassador to mentor the next generation of female coaches at her first ever club.
Recent seasons
Hosted Sarah Hunter CBE in June 2025 for a two-day ChildFund Rugby Grassroots to Global Forum attended by 50 female leaders ahead of the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025.
Finished 6th in Women's Championship North 1 in 2024-25 with 39 points.
Now run two senior teams with the 2nd XV competing in NC1 North.
Sit 9th in Women's Championship 1 North in 2025-26 with 8 points struggling for results.
Notable players
Club legends
- Sarah Hunter
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Frequently asked questions
Where do Novocastrians Ladies play?
Novocastrians Ladies play at Sutherland Park. The nearest station is Benton Metro.
What league do Novocastrians Ladies play in?
Novocastrians Ladies compete in the Women's Championship 1 North, tier 2 of English rugby's league structure.
Other Women's Championship 1 North clubs
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