CCan I extend the warmest of welcomes to Crow Trees the home of Blaydon Rugby Club and where ‘The Blaydon Races’, the ‘Geordie’ national anthem can often be heard.

It is both an honour and a privilege to be elected as President of such a prestigious club. I have been involved with our fine Club for over forty years and I’ve had the pleasure to watch many outstanding players, some of whom have gone on to distinguish themselves in the higher professional and amateur ranks. This includes international level and the latest of whom is our very own Trevor Davison, a huge supporter of the club. What is significant about all those that have gone on to achieve at a higher level is that they have all been forwards. In that knowledge you couldn’t be blamed for expecting a forward dominated game today. I hope you will be proved wrong. The Blaydon team of today play fast, open, exciting and entertaining fifteen man Rugby.
We are a Community Club in every sense of the word providing rugby playing opportunities for both men and women, boys and girls, of all age groups (6 to18 years). We even have a thriving ‘Walking Rugby’ team. Something for everyone, so why not get involved?
After a dramatic end to last season that saw us secure our Regional 1 North East status on the very last day, the senior men’s team head into the new campaign full of determination. The strong performances in our final seven matches gave us valuable momentum, and we’ll be looking to carry that form into 2025/26 as we aim to push up the table and challenge towards the top.
Head Coach Ralph Appleby once again takes charge, backed by the Premiership experience of former Newcastle Falcons stars Alex Tait and Charlie Maddison. Club stalwarts Lee Hogarth and Chris Stewart also return to provide continuity, insight, and a deep understanding of our squad.
On the player front, we have retained our core group while adding exciting new signings Yarre, Ewan Greenlaw, Cameron Nyambega, and Marcus Hunton. We’re also delighted to welcome back Will Hindle, Charlie Lodge, and Tristan Somersall from university rugby.
A further boost comes with the return to action of Ali Charlton, Matt Charlton, and Ollie Dynan, all now fit and ready to contribute after long injury lay-offs. From our youth system, promising graduates Jack Greenlaw and Josh Ornsby will step into senior rugby and look to make their mark this season.
With a settled coaching team, a refreshed squad, and belief built from last year’s resilient finish, the 2025/26 season offers a real opportunity to climb the league and take another step toward a return to National League rugby.

Our Red Kites 1XV and 2XV teams play in the Women’s Championship 1 North and the Women’s NC2 North (North) leagues respectively. Both teams continue to flourish: the 1XV once again achieved the league and cup double, having secured promotion to the highest level of amateur women’s rugby and retained the Durham County Cup. The 2XV maintained their league status in NC2, and the end of last season saw 2XV captain Rachael Hope step down after four seasons at the helm, and hand the captaincy over to Lucy Wilkinson. The club would like to wish Lucy the best of luck in her new role - Rachael leaves some big shoes to fill, but we’re sure you’ll do a great job!

Last season also saw the Red Kites represented at both County and in the new North East XV squad. This continued presence in the County set-up and beyond is testament to the excellent work Chris Morton and his coaching team are doing. The Kites’ continuing success, coupled with the Women’s Rugby World Cup coming to England, highlights the growth of the women's game, and we look forward to seeing what further successes the coming season brings.
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This season, our Youth Section focus is firmly on strengthening our reputation as one of the most desirable rugby clubs in the North East. As a youth section, we’re proud supporters of the 'One Club Blaydon' ethos and wish to continue to be known as a welcoming, family-oriented club with a strong sense of community, excellent coaching, and a commitment to safety and development.

Our youth section continues to thrive with representation across all age groups and increasing interest in higher-level opportunities with growth of our girls’ section particularly encouraging.

A key goal this season is preparing our older players for senior rugby, helping them develop their skills and to support their transition wherever possible. We’re committed to ensuring that our young players stay connected to rugby and their teammates as they move through the youth sections, continuing the success of recent seasons.

As we look ahead, we remain committed to making the necessary changes to bring the club even closer to its community roots. With the amazing support of our volunteer Coaches and Team Managers, we aim to ensure that our club continues to be a place where rugby is more than just a sport—it’s a shared passion that brings people together.
We remain committed to providing rugby opportunities for all in line with the RFU core values of Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and Sportsmanship.
All of this rugby activity wouldn’t happen if it weren’t for our fantastic bunch of volunteers giving up their time to bring enjoyment to players young and old.
We are blessed with a magnificent clubhouse and grounds and as a result we play host to a range of community and social events from business meetings and weddings to ‘Family Fun Days’, circuses and food festivals, as well as our very own successful ‘Bonfire Night’. Unfortunately, with having such a large building and extensive grounds there is a downside to all this. With the ongoing cost of living and energy price rises our club, like many others is really suffering financially.
We need the help of all our members and our whole community to meet the challenges we face. As a consequence of this we are constantly on the lookout for new sponsors and supporters. If you’re interested in being part of ‘Team Blaydon’, please get in touch at contact@blaydonrfc.co.uk
Finally can I express a huge personal thank you to our loyal team of volunteers and our sponsors, your efforts and your financial support is very much recognised and appreciated.
For many years Blaydon has been at the forefront of rugby in the north-east and beyond, long may it continue. We are all part of ‘One Team Blaydon’ and together we will share in the success of all of our players and all of our teams.

Howie Gilfillan
PRESIDENT