Bamburgh Beach Festival marks landmark day for Newcastle Rugby Foundation

The Newcastle Rugby Foundation hosted the Bamburgh Beach Festival on Saturday, 12 July, drawing over 200 players and a strong turnout of families and supporters to the Northumberland coast.

Held beneath the iconic Bamburgh Castle, the event celebrated inclusive rugby development while building community engagement in the lead-up to the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 (RWC2025).

Community Rugby on the Coast

Teams competed in a vibrant atmosphere under the newly introduced T1 rugby rules, supported by the Foundation’s coaching staff. Results saw Medicals take out the men’s category, Northumberland Wooden Spoon win the women’s, and the Blobfishes shine in the girls’ 12–16 age group.

The format promoted accessibility and enjoyment across all skill levels, reinforcing the Foundation’s mission to grow the game from the ground up.

Strategic Partnerships Power Grassroots Success

The event was made possible through support from Northumberland Wooden Spoon and the Bamburgh Estate, both of which played key roles in facilitating the day’s success. Contributions from local vendors, including Rainbow Jelly Face Painting, further enhanced the festival’s family-friendly appeal.

These collaborations provide both financial backing and in-kind services, strengthening the Foundation’s grassroots programming.

Aligning with the RWC2025 Legacy

The Bamburgh Beach Festival forms part of the Foundation’s work as a Community Engagement Program Partner for RWC2025. It exemplifies how local initiatives can feed into the momentum of a global tournament, supporting increased participation, long-term fan engagement, and community legacy outcomes.

As anticipation for RWC2025 builds, events like this ensure the benefits of major sporting events extend well beyond the final whistle.

The Newcastle Rugby Foundation thanked all players, supporters, and partners involved and looks forward to further initiatives as the countdown to #RWC2025 continues.

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