Wallsend RFC

Attention Footballers

* Feeling disillusioned
* Dropped from your team
* Sick of sitting on the bench
* Looking for a new challenge

Then maybe Rugby 🏉 is the answer!!! Wallsend RFC are actively recruiting both boys and girls in school year 7, 8 and 9.

Pre-Season starts on Thursday 11th June and new players are very welcome to attend. No trials just come along and embrace a new sport.

We have pathways into the Newcastle Red Bulls Academy, County Representation, even International Representation. Could your child be the next Oli Hewitt and benefit from making the switch?

Get in touch via email [email protected] or put a message on this post.

A Message from Club President Andy McDonough

I had the pleasure of joining the players for their end-of-season presentation evening and what a fantastic night it was.

Firstly, congratulations to everyone who picked up an award. Every one of them was thoroughly deserved. But I'd also like to congratulate those who didn't receive an award. Rugby is the ultimate team game, and every player who pulled on a Wallsend shirt this season played their part in what has been another memorable year for the club.

It certainly wasn't a straightforward season behind the scenes in RFU rugby, but credit to the players who never allowed that to become an excuse. They continued to turn up, train hard, play hard and represent the club with pride.

A special mention must go to Emma, our Sports Therapist. Once again, she has been absolutely outstanding. The commitment and courage shown by the players this season often left bodies battered and bruised, and without Emma I suspect we'd have had a few limbs hanging off by Christmas! Her dedication to the squad is second to none and she is a hugely valued member of our club.

I'd also like to thank our committee. Many people don't get to see the amount of work that goes on behind the scenes, but I do. At times it can feel like a full-time job, but that's only because of the passion, ambition and vision that this group has for Wallsend RFC. Their commitment to moving the club forward never stops, and we are all benefiting from that hard work.

While this evening was focused on our senior men's section, the future of the entire club has never looked brighter. Our women's team, the Wallsend Sirens, continue to grow in confidence and strength every week. Our junior section is thriving and doing a fantastic job representing the club across the county, both on and off the field.

None of this happens by accident.
It happens because of volunteers. The coaches, helpers, parents, committee members, tuck shop staff, grounds team and countless others who give up their time week after week to make rugby happen at Wallsend RFC. Your efforts often go unseen, but they are never unappreciated.

So, from me as Club President, thank you to every player, volunteer, sponsor, supporter and member who has contributed to the 2025-26 season.

We've achieved a great deal together, and there is so much more to come.

Let's take this momentum into 2026-27 and continue building something special.

Players' Player of the Season – Sammy Climpson

There are awards, and then there's this award.

The Players' Player of the Season is voted for by the lads who go into battle with you every Saturday. The players who see the hard work, the sacrifices, the commitment and the standards that get set week after week. That's what makes this award so special.

This season's winner is our Club Captain, Sammy Climpson.

Week in, week out, Sammy empties the tank. Whether it's carrying hard, making tackles, driving standards, or dragging the team around the pitch when the going gets tough, he's always there. On the field, off the field, training nights, match days – Sammy is ever-present and fully invested in the club.

To stand out amongst a squad full of players who put in the graft every week is no small achievement. To be voted the best by your teammates is one of the highest honours in rugby.

Last night, Sammy collected the award for the second season in a row, but it wasn't just the trophy that got people talking. As Club Captain, he delivered a speech that was nothing short of a call to arms.

It was passionate. It was honest. It was inspiring.

By the end of it, some of the older members were probably scrolling through Sports Direct looking for a new pair of boots and wondering if they've got one more season left in them.

Sammy spoke about standards, commitment and what this club means to him. It was a reminder of why people keep coming back to Wallsend RFC and why the future is so exciting. One thing is certain – next season we won't be standing still. Wallsend RFC will be back, stronger than ever, and ready for whatever comes our way.

Speaking after receiving the award, Sammy said:

"I can't thank the lads enough. This is the second season in a row I've won this award and it shows that hard work in training and on the pitch pays off.

Pulling on the shirt every week and playing alongside these lads is a real honour. I'd go to war with every one of them because I know exactly what I'd get from them. Winning this award shows they know what they'd get from me too.

Wallsend is my club. I love it to bits. If anyone is thinking of getting involved, reach out to me. I'll tell you better than any social media post just how good a place this is."

Congratulations Sammy. A leader, a competitor and a proud Wallsend man.

Enjoy the award, recharge over the summer, and then let's go again.

🏆 Coaches' Player of the Season – Johnny Baldwin 🏆

Some would say this is the toughest award to win.

The Coaches' Player of the Season isn't just about performances on a Saturday. It's about attitude, commitment, work rate and setting the standard every time you pull on the shirt. This season's winner ticks every single box.

Congratulations to Johnny Baldwin on being named Coaches' Player of the Season.

For nearly 20 years, Johnny has been a huge part of Wallsend RFC. While the years may be adding up, his performances certainly aren't slowing down. Whether it's carrying hard into contact, putting in another crunching tackle, or driving standards around the squad, Johnny continues to lead by example.

A stalwart of the club and one of the first names on the team sheet each week, his commitment to Wallsend has never wavered.

Johnny said:
"I've been around long enough now to know the game inside out, but you should never stop learning as a player. I work hard and learn just like everyone else around me. I question things, discuss moves and calls whenever I can if it helps the team. What keeps me coming back every year is the lads around me. If anyone wants to enjoy their rugby, they should look no further than Wallsend. The future is very bright, with new things happening all the time. Thanks to Adam and Pete for all their efforts this season."

Johnny represents everything that is good about our club. His commitment, leadership and willingness to put the team first make him a worthy winner of this award.

Congratulations Johnny. Coaches' Player of the Season... and if we're honest, probably a fans' favourite as well. 💚💛

🏆 Best Newcomer – Rhys Allison 🏆

Congratulations to Rhys Allison on picking up the Best Newcomer award after an outstanding first season in the Green and Gold.

Joining us from Wallsend Eagles, Rhys brought his Rugby League experience into Union and quickly showed what he was all about. Whether in the backs or the forwards, he never looked out of place, adapting brilliantly throughout the season and becoming a key part of the squad.

Rhys said:
"I loved the move to Union, but wasn't sure at first what position was best for me. I tried the back line which was fun, but once I got put into the second row, I fell in love with it. Being amongst such a strong pack and knowing every one of them has your back made my job easier and more enjoyable. But more than anything, the welcome I've received from the club has been on a different level. Thank you, Wallsend. I can't wait for pre-season to start."

Rhys has been a perfect example of what can happen when someone comes through the gates with a great attitude and a willingness to learn. The improvement he has shown over the season has been superb, and he has become a valued member of the club both on and off the pitch.

Well deserved, Rhys. We can't wait to see what next season brings. 💚💛

🏆 Most Improved Player – Ben Grieveson 🏆

A massive congratulations to Ben Grieveson on picking up the Most Improved Player award, presented by Director of Rugby Adam Housten.

Ben has worked hard all season and his improvement has been there for everyone to see. From week one to the final whistle of the season, he has grown in confidence and become a real threat out on the wing.

Speaking after receiving the award, Ben said:
"I've really enjoyed the season. The team around me have been excellent with my development, which has given me the confidence to do what I can do out on the wing."

Ben's season was capped off in perfect fashion when he scored the final try of the final game, securing the bonus point that confirmed Wallsend as league champions and earned promotion.

A well-deserved award for a player who has put the effort in every step of the way. Well done Ben! 💚💛

𝐍𝐄𝐖 𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐆𝐔𝐄 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐔𝐂𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄 🔰

Wallsend RFC have officially been placed into the newly formed North East Counties 2 North ahead of the 2026/27 season, a league that sees Lower XVs enter the structure for the very first time.

After a stop-start campaign last year, this season promises something completely different. More competition and a real step up in level week in, week out.

From familiar rivalries to fresh challenges, there’ll be no shortage of local derbies and new foes across the fixture list. The lads are already looking forward to getting stuck into what should be one of the toughest and most competitive seasons in recent years.

It’s set to be a good one. Forza Wallsend.

🟢🟡

| wallsendrfc.com

🔰 Annual General Meeting 🔰

Exciting times lie ahead for everyone connected with Wallsend RFC, and we encourage as many members as possible to attend. This is a great opportunity to review the club’s performance from last season and contribute to the proposed plans and initiatives for the future.

The following roles will be up for re-election/election at the forth coming AGM.

Club Ambassador
Chair
Chair of Age Grade
Club Development Officer/Commercial Manager

If you would like more details on the roles above or to express an interest please email John Slator, Honorary Secretary at [email protected]

Last Sunday we held our Mini’s End of Season Rugby Presentation, for our U6 to U11 teams.

This is a great time to sit and reflect on the season, and this year, we have seen so much growth:

* In our numbers, we have welcomed lots of new players and coaches too.
* In our players, with their rugby skills, but also as individuals.
* In our club facilities offering pitch side refreshments, seating and shelter.
* In our partnerships with increased school rugby delivery and the continued success of our U11 buddy team Wovo’s

The afternoon was a roaring success and our achievements were well celebrated.

Congratulations to all of the award winners 🏆🏅

After all the formalities, we finished the afternoon with a Party Gems, foam party 🫧, which we all loved.

Can’t wait for next season to start, check out our Summer Rugby sessions starting on Thursday 11th June at 6pm 💚🏉