Newcastle Thunder withdraw from 2024 season

Newcastle Thunder have pulled out of the 2024 season and say it is "not feasible to continue" after their relegation from the Championship.

The north-east side finished bottom of rugby league's second tier and were due to play in League One next season.

A statement from the club said they had decided not to participate.

"Growing rugby league in the north east was an incredible journey, and we are all devastated that it did not work out," the club said.

"Unfortunately, the impact of Covid-19, combined with the low levels of regional growth and development in the game, means it just isn't feasible to continue."

The club, which rebranded from Gateshead Thunder to Newcastle Thunder in 2015 and is under the ownership of the Newcastle Falcons rugby union team, said it would fulfil all player and staff contracts.

In a statement, the Falcons said: "The decision that Newcastle Thunder will not compete in League One has no effect on Newcastle Rugby Ltd and our rugby union team, Newcastle Falcons.

"We remain committed to being here for years to come and are continuing to push ahead with exciting plans for both this season and those to come."