Former Newcastle Falcons player Michael Young will host a special Pre-Lions Dinner on Thursday May 8, 2025, at The Fed Brewery in Gateshead as part of his testimonial year celebrations.

After recently retiring from professional rugby, Young was awarded a testimonial year. The Hartlepool-born scrum-half came through the Falcons academy before going on to make 201 appearances for the club, scoring 21 senior tries. His career also included spells at Leicester Tigers, Bath, Gloucester and Toulon, while earning international honours with England Sevens and England Saxons.

The event, organised by the Michael Young Testimonial Committee, will celebrate Young’s career whilst providing opportunities to support two charities close to his heart, My Name’5 Doddie Foundation and the Alan Shearer Foundation.

Timed just before the announcement of the 2025 British & Irish Lions squad, the evening will bring together rugby legends, supporters and members of the rugby community.

Guests will enjoy a three-course meal alongside entertainment from two of rugby’s most iconic figures. Sir Ian McGeechan, the mastermind behind seven British & Irish Lions tours, will provide unique insight into the history and legacy of the Lions, whilst Alun Wyn Jones, the most-capped player in rugby history, will reflect on his own remarkable career and experiences with the touring side.

Tables are now available to book, with a regular table for ten priced at £1,200. A VIP table for ten is also available for £2,100, including a signed Lions t-shirt and exclusive access to a meet-and-greet with Sir Ian McGeechan and Alun Wyn Jones in the VIP bar.

Reflecting on the announcement, Young said: “Obviously were all pleased to get the first event confirmed and get things officially kicked off, we’ve had a huge amount of interest already which is great.

To have both Alun and Ian on board, is as good as we could of hoped for in terms insight into the lions and we’ve got a couple more twists, which I can’t actually announce just yet as it hasn’t been confirmed.

But in all honesty as much as I’m excited by it as a testimonial event I’m probably more excited just to be going as guest! The committee have done a brilliant job and I know It’ll be a great night.”

To book a table, click the button below and for enquiries regarding event sponsorship opportunities, please contact info@my9.co.uk.