We couldn’t let the occasion pass without a look back at 15 great rugby memories from South Tyneside.
We found all these reminders in the Shields Gazette archives so let’s kick off a great tournament with views from 1961 to 2019.
5. A colourful new strip
John Tighe and Michael Bates of Glassfix Glazing presenting rugby strips to Harton School rugby captain David Robson in 1994 | SG Photo: Shields Gazette
6. Action from 2004
Jarrovians against South Tyneside College at Lukes Lane in a rugby match from 18 years ago. | sg Photo: TR
7. Meeting their hero
England star Jeremy Guscott met these young players from Boldon at Asda in 2005. | sg Photo: IB
8. Off to London
Westoe rugby team was in the picture as they headed to Twickenham but in which year? | sg Photo: sg
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