Newcastle Falcons to host Military vs Cancer rugby double-header

The matches, scheduled for Saturday, June 21, will see the UK Armed Forces take on the North of England Select XV.

Having raised a combined £70,000 over the past two years, the organisers are keen to make 2025 the biggest year yet.

Last year saw the UK Armed Forces Men defeat the North of England Men 90–14, while the women’s match saw the UKAF team secure a 38-05 win.Nathan Summersgill-Smith and Amelia and Noah (Image: Supplied)

Steven Colwell, president of Durham University RFC, who has played an integral role in preparation for the event said: “We look forward to returning to Kingston Park. It’s an opportunity for some of the North’s top players to pay their respects to our servicemen, and raise money and awareness for Military vs Cancer.

“Our men are determined to avenge last year’s defeat to the UKAF team, and for our women, it’s an opportunity to fly the flag for women’s rugby in a region so desperately in need of these great, high-level events.

“As a group, we are grateful to Military vs Cancer, a charity who make a real difference and inspire us to play for them.”

UKAF Women’s head coach WO2 Sarah Mitchelson explained how the match marks a key milestone in the UKAF women’s team’s season as they build up to the International Defence Rugby Championships later this year.

She said: “We are thrilled to participate in this match, as it serves as an excellent promotion for women’s rugby and women’s sports in general.

“It supports a remarkable charity that holds significant meaning for many of us, and we take great pride in backing it.

“Last year’s match was a challenging, yet spectacular event for the sport, and we anticipate nothing short of that this year.”

The double-header at Kingston Park is the largest semi-professional rugby event of its kind in the UK.

It is not just about elite sport, but also a celebration of resilience, remembrance, and unity.

Military vs Cancer became a registered charity in May 2022, but was founded several years earlier by David Bathgate after losing several family members to cancer.

The charity brings together all three military services, businesses, and people in industry to help support those who are battling with cancer.

The 2025 rugby edition will honour Corporal Tim Crossin RM and Lance Corporal Nathan Summersgill-Smith RM, two servicemen who lost their battles with cancer, but whose courage and legacy continue to inspire the charity’s work.Corporal Tim Crossin who lost his battle with cancer, but whose courage continues to inspire (Image: Supplied)

CEO David Bathgate said: “This year, we are proud to honour Corporal Tim Crossin RM and Lance Corporal Nathan Summersgill-Smith RM — two remarkable Royal Marines whose courage in the face of cancer continues to inspire everything we do.

“Their stories are a stark reminder that cancer does not discriminate, even among the fittest and bravest.

“Supporting the Armed Forces community through cancer is at the very heart of our mission, and paying tribute to Tim and Nathan allows us to highlight just how vital that support is.

“This is more than a rugby match — it’s a show of unity, remembrance, and a commitment to ensuring no one in our military family faces cancer alone.”

For the third year in a row, Newcastle Falcons will be hosting the spectacle ahead, with adult tickets priced at £10, children £5, and military personnel and veterans having the opportunity to attend for free.

Tickets are available now via the Newcastle Falcons website or the Defence Discount Service for military personnel and veterans.