League One rugby league side Gateshead Thunder have changed their name to Newcastle Thunder.

The Thunder want to share a stadium with union side Newcastle Falcons at Kingston Park and leave Gateshead's International Stadium.

The switch comes after Newcastle Rugby Limited, owned by Falcons rugby union chairman Semor Kurdi took over the rugby league side in May.

Chairman Bill Midley said: "With the Super League Magic Weekend coming to St James' Park in Newcastle, it promises to be a high profile year for the sport in the North-East."

The move has been approved by the Rugby Football League and will take professional rugby league back to Newcastle for the first time in 77 years.