Newcastle Falcons made a successful trip to Malvern at the end of July, with the Under-18s in action on day one and the Under-17s playing on day two.

The U18s played two fixtures, embracing the festival’s Fast and Fierce theme with strong intensity and execution.

In the opening fixture against Bristol, the squad impressed with their defensive work and sharp attacking phases. Their second match, against Scarlets, saw a slower start, but the team responded well, showing control and quality in attack to finish strongly.

The Malvern Festival was a valuable starting point for the 2025/26 U18 season. With the league expanding to nine fixtures plus a finals day, the programme now offers even greater opportunities for development.

The league campaign begins on Friday August 22 at Kingston Park, kicking off at 12pm and a Development fixture taking place at 2pm. The next match will be at home during October half-term against Harlequins, followed by a break for school rugby and a consistent run of fixtures post-Christmas.

The U17s opened day two against Saracens and were challenged physically early on but finished with an excellent team try from deep. Against Gloucester, the side grew into the match, finding shape and tempo after the break, with good examples of both defensive resilience and attacking ambition.

The final game against Northampton built on that momentum, with improved accuracy in attack, strong defensive moments and several well-crafted tries.

Newcastle Falcons would like to thank all parents and families who travelled to support the squads, which was a valuable and worthwhile experience for all involved.

---

Newcastle Falcons U18s fixtures

(Home games in capital letters)

R2: FRI AUG 22 V LEICESTER TIGERS (12PM KO)

R3: SUN OCT 26 V HARLEQUINS (1PM KO)

R4: Sat Jan 3 v Sale Sharks (3pm KO, Manchester Metropolitan University)

R5: SAT JAN 10 V NORTHAMPTON SAINTS

R6: SAT JAN 17 V BATH RUGBY

R7: Sat Jan 31 v Bristol Bears (3pm KO, University Ground (Coombe Dingle))

R8: Sat Feb 7 v Yorkshire Rugby Academy (1pm, Skipton Road (Keighly RU))

R9: Sat Feb 14 v Saracens (11am, StoneX Stadium)

R10: Feb 21/22 – U18s Final Days