Go North East has been named official partner for the Newcastle Falcons rugby team.
Ahead of the European Club Rugby Finals in the city in May, a branded minibus is going on a Newcastle 2019 Trophies Tour, allowing fans to have photos with the Heineken Champions Cup and the European Rugby Challenge Cup.
The vehicle is transporting the two trophies, staff, volunteers and the Falcon’s official mascot – Stephen the Seahorse – to all events between Friday 22 March and 14 April 2019.
Journeying from Middlesbrough to Newcastle, up to Berwick and the Scottish Borders, the tour will give fans the opportunity to have photographs taken with the trophies, and be in with a chance to win tickets to the finals.
In total the silverware will visit 12 schools, 11 rugby clubs, 11 community/public events, five businesses and major sporting fixtures at Newcastle United FC, Middlesbrough FC, Newcastle Eagles basketball, Newcastle Falcons and the Melrose Sevens.
Mick Hogan, Event Director for the European Club Rugby Finals, says: “We’d like to thank Go North East for their magnificent support of the tour. By taking the trophies out across the region they will help us engage with an anticipated 25,000 people and build the excitement for the what promises to be the greatest weekend in rugby.”
As the official transport partner, Go North East will also be carrying officials and sponsors during the finals weekend on 10 and 11 May.
Mark Ellis, Go North East's Business Development Manager, says: “The tour is an excellent opportunity for Go North East to join rugby fans across the region and beyond, in celebrating a hugely exciting event. Our vision is ‘journeys taken care of’ and we’ll certainly be taking good care of our precious cup cargo.
“The finals at St James’ Park are expected to be a big draw and Go North East is proud to support the region’s thriving leisure and tourism industry.”
