NEWCASTLE THUNDER will go into this year’s league campaign with managing director Keith Christie keen to push the club forward after feeling a “sense of accomplishment” after the club came through a tough 2024.
Thunder lost the financial support of rugby union’s Newcastle Falcons following their relegation from the Championship in 2023, with Christie leading the bid to keep the club going.
Newcastle were unable to muster a win, but Christie says survival was in itself an achievement.
“There is a sense of accomplishment if I’m being honest. We kept the club alive,” he said.
“We have guys who have played a full season at this level and we have become more financially viable than probably 90 percent of other clubs.
“We are in a good place but we need to manage the next steps.”
Having had a bye round as the other ten clubs kicked off, Thunder’s first league game is against Swinton at their new base at Blaydon Rugby Union Club on Sunday week, March 15.