North-East to host international rugby

10:50am Tuesday 4th November 2008

INTERNATIONAL rugby will arrive in the North-East in March after Kingston Park was selected as the host venue for the prestigious Under-18 clash between England and Scotland.

The home of Newcastle Falcons will showcase the best emerging talent from both sides of the border on Sunday, March 22 (ko 2pm).

England Under-18s head coach John Fletcher, who previously worked as director of rugby for the Falcons, said: "I am delighted this fixture is being held at the Falcons.

"It will be great to go back to my former club, but more importantly I think the club is an ideal venue to host international rugby.

"Itll also be a good chance to show the people of the North-East the talent coming through the ranks, while I am sure Scotland supporters will also welcome the opportunity to see their young talent in action not far from home."

Newcastle Falcons chairman Dave Thompson added: "Newcastle Falcons has always enjoyed an excellent representation through the England age-group sides, and we are honoured to be hosting this match against our Scottish neighbours.

"Bringing through the next generation of talent at this level is absolutely vital to the future well-being of the game, and we look forward to the North-East public coming out in their numbers to support these young players."

The Scotland clash will be Englands first international test ahead of a busy campaign which will see the young guns also take on Japan High Schools and compete in the Six Nations Festival in Parma, Italy.

Last season, England Under-18s claimed a clean sweep of wins in the Six Nations Festival and in Argentina on their summer development tour.

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