SEMORE KURDI has hailed a ‘landmark moment for rugby in Newcastle’ after Newcastle Rugby, the company that owns both Newcastle Falcons and Newcastle Thunder, completed a deal to buy back Kingston Park.

Newcastle Rugby have been leasing the Gosforth venue since it was sold to Northern Rock in 2007, with Northumbria University taking over the ownership in 2008.

The existing lease was due to expire in 2017, but Newcastle Rugby have agreed a deal that should help safeguard the future of Newcastle Falcons, who are desperately trying to keep pace with the likes of Saracens and London Wasps, who have both moved to lucrative new stadia in recent years.

As part of the agreement, Newcastle Rugby have launched a new rugby development partnership with Northumbria that will see the University’s men’s and women’s rugby union and rugby league teams train and play matches at Kingston Park for the next ten year. Falcons and Thunder players and coaches will also be involved in coaching the respective University teams.

“The ground purchase is a very significant event for Newcastle Rugby,” said chairman Kurdi. “It secures the long term future of both Newcastle Falcons and Newcastle Thunder at Kingston Park Stadium.

“It will also give us a permanent home from which we can continue the outstanding work of the Falcons Community Foundation as we look to grow both codes of rugby across the North-East and Cumbria. The additional development work we will undertake with both the University and City Council will bring strong benefits for all concerned.

“I’d like to thank both Newcastle City Council and Northumbria University for their support throughout the negotiations. Owning the stadium will allow us to continue the improvements we have already made to the ground.

“We will look to further grow our supporter base and add to their match day experience as well as providing first-class playing and training facilities for the players of both clubs.”

Newcastle City Council helped facilitate the purchase of the ground, and will engage in a community sports development partnership with Newcastle Rugby that should benefit individuals, sports clubs, schools and community groups.

All will receive coaching, attendance at matches, access to the stadium pitch, player visits and support across a number of health, education and sporting programmes.

“We are delighted that we have been able to support the City Council and the Falcons with their ambition to retain and develop Premiership rugby in the city,” said Damon Kent, Northumbria University’s director of campus services.

“The University has agreed to the sale of Kingston Park to the Falcons to bring benefits to the club, the region and the University. The club will be able to invest in its facilities, and rugby fans in the region will continue to enjoy rugby at Kingston Park for years to come.”