On Friday evening March 31 Gosforth RFC are hosting a reception in their club bar for Connacht supporters, which will include a free barbecue for all those wearing Connacht jersey.

The club will provide an ideal location and meeting point for the travelling green army on Friday as they get in the mood for the vital clash with the Falcons at 7:30pm.

The event has been put together by club president John Short, a surname familiar to Connacht Supporters and it's not a coincidence as son Christian is a member of the Connacht squad.

Of course there is a further connection between Gosforth & Connacht, the legendary Connacht, Ireland & Lions Prop Ray McLaughlin played for Gosforth back in the sixties.  For those unfamiliar with Gosforth RFC they are the pre-cursor to Newcastle Falcolns (and Sir John Hall), the club were one of the big clubs in England back in the pre-league rugby era (yes there was a time before leagues). Their biggest moments cam in the mid seventies when the club won the John Player Cup in back to back seasons in 1975-76 & 76-77.

So for supporters in the Newcastle area keen to get an ale or two and some grub before the big game kicks off, why not make your way over to the Gosforth clubhouse (circled below) which is very convenient for the Falcoln's Kingston Park ground. From Newcastle city centre take the Metro and get off at Kenton Bank Foot and its a short walk from the station.

So I hope to see a god turnout at the clubhouse beforehand which will be a great mark of respect for Shorty's efforts in the green jersey over the last couple of seasons before he heads off to join Damien Browne at the Northampton Saints...

Bullocksteads Sports Ground,
Ponteland Road, Kenton Bank Foot
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE13 8AH

http://www.gosforthrfc.fsnet.co.uk/