New Director of Rugby Announced

Darren Fearn has been appointed as Newcastle University’s new Director of Rugby.

The former Newcastle Falcons player takes over the University’s rugby programme and its seven teams, following Matt Carter’s retirement.

Darren has played professional rugby for seven years. He has represented Newcastle Falcons, Bedford Blues, Saracens, and Sale Sharks.

He is the current England Students Head. In April, he led the team to their first win against France in 10 years.

He said: “My goal is to make sure Newcastle University’s rugby programme continues to be successful. I'll do this by building on the good work by Matt Carter and by adding my touch.

“To take this great rugby programme forward, it is crucial to continue supporting and developing our quality players. I know the University players well and my ambition is to help them be their best, both on and off the pitch.”

Fraser Kennedy, Performance Sport Manager at Newcastle University, added: “Darren comes over from Northumbria University. He has successfully guided them to three years in the BUCS Super Rugby League. It is our ambition to gain promotion to the BSL. This will be Darren’s main aim, along with supporting both the men’s and women’s clubs in their rugby development.

“Rugby Union is the most high profile sport within the University sector. Over one million viewers watch the BSL on social media throughout the season. It is a sport that can have a significant impact on a University’s recruitment drive. Newcastle has one of the biggest rugby offerings in the country. We must be pro-active in trying to recruit the very best student athlete rugby players to this great University. Darren’s appointment will ensure we can drive rugby at Newcastle to the next level. It will put the University up there with the very best in the country.”

Newcastle University Rugby Club

Newcastle University Rugby Club (NURFC) fields five competitive men's BUCS National Championship. Our first team competes in BUCS North A.

The past few years have seen NURFC players represent England Students, England U20s, and their counties. They have also played for Newcastle Falcons at all levels.

The club has a proud history of players who have gone on to represent their countries at full international level and the ultimate team - the British and Irish Lions.

Women's Rugby teams

Two women's sides compete in BUCS. The first team competes in BUCS Premier North Division. The women's club also has a proud history of players that have gone on to play representative rugby for their country. This includes players in the 2014 World Cup Winning team.