Hope for fans’ return on Monday May 17

Friday 23 April 2021 Written by: Adam


The Gallagher Premiership clash is now a 7.30pm kick-off at Kingston Park Stadium, and should approval be granted it will be used as a test event.

The exact number of supporters permitted to attend the game will be confirmed in due course, should approval be forthcoming from the local Safety Advisory Group.

Announcements regarding ticketing would follow once the capacity for the event has been finalised – Newcastle last playing in front of supporters back on March 13, 2020, when they enjoyed a 41-0 victory over Bedford Blues.

Executive director Mick Hogan said: “Supporters are everything in professional sport, and we as a club are fully committed to getting our fans back inside Kingston Park Stadium in a safe manner at the earliest possible opportunity.

“We are working with the relevant bodies to finalise the details of exactly how things will work once the Safety Advisory Group have agreed we can stage this test event, with social distancing and safety obviously at the forefront of our minds.

“Numbers would be limited and supporters would receive clear communication regarding how the ticketing process will work, but I speak for everybody at the club in saying it’s great to be working towards this date.

“Our fans have been incredibly patient and supportive during what has been an enormously difficult period for everyone, and to now have some light at the end of the tunnel is a boost that I think we all needed.

“We must also thank Northampton Saints for being so accommodating in allowing us to move the fixture, and if plans for the test event get signed off the supporters who do attend should be in for a great game.”

Director of rugby Dean Richards said: “Even though it would be limited numbers to begin with, it’s fantastic news that we are planning on being united with our supporters again.

“The league and the TV companies have done a great job in keeping things going, but everyone knows it has not been the same without supporters inside the grounds.

“On behalf of the entire playing and coaching department I want to thank our supporters for all their encouraging messages while crowds have not been allowed, and we can’t wait to start welcoming you back to Kingston Park Stadium once everything has been agreed with the relevant bodies.”

Supporters are advised that they do not need to contact the club at this stage. All details regarding ticketing and how match-day will operate will be communicated at the earliest possible opportunity.