Scorpions to face Newcastle club in 2015
Newcastle Thunder
By Chris O'Brien
January 20 2015
Championship one rivals Gateshead Thunder are changing their name to Newcastle, and seeking a venue switch to the neighbouring city.
The name change has been approved by the Rugby Football League and is with immediate effect.
Thunder's crest has been changed, and the club have applied to Newcastle City Council in the hope of switching their home ground to Kingston Park. Such a move would see Thunder sharing a venue with rugby union outfit Newcastle Falcons, whom took control of the club in 2014.
The RL club were formed in 1999, having been granted an place in the Super League ahead of South Walian-based applicants.
Gateshead finished 6th in Super League IV, ahead of the likes of Warrington Wolves, but merged with the then Hull Sharks amid financial difficulties. Furious supporters had to seek solace with a reformed Thunder entered into the Northern Ford Premiership.
Scorpions are not scheduled to play a league fixture in the North East this season, but the rebadged Thunder will travel to Mountain Ash in September.
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Good luck to them.
I wonder how effective the RU tie up really is, it should have some synergies and Leeds are still trying but the Quins gave up. Interestingly the former was, I think, RL led and the latter RU led, so maybe the jury is "still out".