History
Novos as they are more generally known were formed in September 1898 as Old Novocastrians Rugby Football Club by a group of former pupils of the Royal Grammar School, Newcastle upon Tyne. They had various grounds until, in 1925, Benton Lodge was discovered. Novos could not raise the funds to purchase this ground until two years later Sir Arthur Munro Sutherland purchased the ground on behalf of the Club and it was renamed Sutherland Park. At a later date, the ground was sold to the Royal Grammar School who remain the current landlords. The club remained for Old Boys or members of staff of the school until 1969 when the 'Old' was dropped and the club became open to all. In 1989 the club became a Limited Company and has been self financing ever since.
Historically the most successful period was in the 1930s when the club was in the Northumberland Senior Cup on three occasions but, unfortunately never won. In the 1920/30s the Club provided several Internationals, Oxford and Cambridge Blues as well as many County Players. In 1992 Novos again played in the Northumberland Senior Cup Final but were once again Runners up. Whilst all other Northumberland Cups have the Novos name on them the Senior Cup continues to elude.
The 1987-88 season saw a revolution in Community Rugby with the introduction of Leagues. Novos found themselves a league below that which they considered their rightful place but put matters right by gaining promotion at the first attempt. This placed them in North East Division 1 where they remained until 1995 when they were relegated three times in successive seasons, ending up in Durham and Northumberland Division 3. A determined recruitment effort and the appointment of the club first (and, so far only!) paid Coach stopped the rot and the club achieved immediate promotion to coincide with the Centenary Season of 1997-98. The improvement sadly did not last and season 2001-02 again saw the club languishing in Durham and Northumberland Division 3. About this time an enthusiastic and committed group of players and recently retired players took over the running of the playing side of the club. With the immediate result that Novos were promoted as Champions and won the Journal Trophy in 2002 and missed a second successive promotion by the narrowest of margins the following season. By 2009 Novos had gained promotion to Durham and Northumberland Division One following a strong performance in comfortably beating Barnard Castle in a play off. This is a position Novos have maintained ever since.
1992 saw the introduction of Ladies Rugby to the Club and though there were several die hard dissenters at the time the venture has proved to be a successful one both on and off the pitch with the section receiving national prominence in early years and the award of several International caps. In 2010/11 season the ladies gained promotion to the RFUW Championship, only one league below the Premiership, their highest position (And Novos highest) in the clubs history.
Novos Youth Section is a thriving Mini, Midi and Youth organisation running teams from Under 7 to Under 17. Boys and Girls mix in the same squads until age 12 at which point they train and play separately. All squads are managed by fully qualified coaches with assistance from Senior Players.
The beginning of the 21st Century saw the club in good heart with a steady influx of good young players replacing the stalwarts who so determinedly and successfully replaced restored its playing reputation. Novos now boasts approximately 300 playing members from Under 7s through to first XV and Ladies XV's - A playing membership that will hopefully see us return to the good old days of 7 senior teams!
Historically the most successful period was in the 1930s when the club was in the Northumberland Senior Cup on three occasions but, unfortunately never won. In the 1920/30s the Club provided several Internationals, Oxford and Cambridge Blues as well as many County Players. In 1992 Novos again played in the Northumberland Senior Cup Final but were once again Runners up. Whilst all other Northumberland Cups have the Novos name on them the Senior Cup continues to elude.
The 1987-88 season saw a revolution in Community Rugby with the introduction of Leagues. Novos found themselves a league below that which they considered their rightful place but put matters right by gaining promotion at the first attempt. This placed them in North East Division 1 where they remained until 1995 when they were relegated three times in successive seasons, ending up in Durham and Northumberland Division 3. A determined recruitment effort and the appointment of the club first (and, so far only!) paid Coach stopped the rot and the club achieved immediate promotion to coincide with the Centenary Season of 1997-98. The improvement sadly did not last and season 2001-02 again saw the club languishing in Durham and Northumberland Division 3. About this time an enthusiastic and committed group of players and recently retired players took over the running of the playing side of the club. With the immediate result that Novos were promoted as Champions and won the Journal Trophy in 2002 and missed a second successive promotion by the narrowest of margins the following season. By 2009 Novos had gained promotion to Durham and Northumberland Division One following a strong performance in comfortably beating Barnard Castle in a play off. This is a position Novos have maintained ever since.
1992 saw the introduction of Ladies Rugby to the Club and though there were several die hard dissenters at the time the venture has proved to be a successful one both on and off the pitch with the section receiving national prominence in early years and the award of several International caps. In 2010/11 season the ladies gained promotion to the RFUW Championship, only one league below the Premiership, their highest position (And Novos highest) in the clubs history.
Novos Youth Section is a thriving Mini, Midi and Youth organisation running teams from Under 7 to Under 17. Boys and Girls mix in the same squads until age 12 at which point they train and play separately. All squads are managed by fully qualified coaches with assistance from Senior Players.
The beginning of the 21st Century saw the club in good heart with a steady influx of good young players replacing the stalwarts who so determinedly and successfully replaced restored its playing reputation. Novos now boasts approximately 300 playing members from Under 7s through to first XV and Ladies XV's - A playing membership that will hopefully see us return to the good old days of 7 senior teams!
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