Further back in time than our last video, it’s 1996 and the new Changing Facility and Gym are in operation. The next part of the plan was to develop the grounds. As part of the bid the Club launched the Derwentside Centre of Excellence which was aimed at developing Rugby in the 6 Secondary schools in Derwentside.

This involved developing each school resources and facilities for Rugby with the ‘products’ from the school attending CRFC as the Centre for Rugby Excellence in Derwentside. The video shows JOC and the late Peter Ray as a sponsor talking to All Black Frano Botica who popped in after having discussions with the Falcons. Frano was a World Cup medalist with the All Blacks in 1987 and he played Rugby League for Wigan where he became the fastest man in the history of British league to reach 1,000 points.

Remember any videos or photos you have from the past please contact Barry Cook