North East venues to host international rugby team during World Cup

North East venues Rockcliffe Hall and Mowden Park will welcome an international team during the Rugby World Cup.

Hotel Rockcliffe Hall will be the home of the players during the 7-week tournament while rugby club Mowden Park will serve as a training ground for the team.

Rockliffe Hall chief executive Eamonn Elliott commented: “Our five star resort has everything required to host a team of this quality and we are experienced at hosting big sporting teams, including The All Blacks and Premier League football clubs.

Lee Rust, Mowden Park managing director, added: “Following on from the success of hosting the New Zealand All Blacks during the 2015 Rugby World Cup this will represent another global competition that has chosen Darlington and the Tees Valley.

“Working with key partners we are again delighted to have the opportunity of bringing world-class sporting activity to our region.”

The news follows the announcement of a successful bid by Tees Valley Combined Authority host a game during the international competition, which is expected to boost the North East economy by up to £8m.

Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen explained: “The players aren’t going to be locked away behind closed doors training for the entire duration of their stay.

“The Rugby League’s been clear that there will be an active programme of engagement, with the team working to promote the game in our local schools and communities, helping us to grow the sport.

“They’ll be here for up to seven weeks, spending time and money in the region and boosting our profile across the world.”