Newcastle vs Northumbria: A rivalry breakdown

For decades, two universities have thrived in the same Newcastle city centre. Just a few streets apart, they are fated to collide. We’re here to break down the long-standing tension, stereotypes and rivalry between the so-called “poly” and “posh” of the North East.

Newcastle University first put down roots in the city in 1834, specialising in science, medicine and engineering. This university became a member of the Russell Group in 1994, cementing its redbrick reputation. Northumbria University followed in 1992, starting this battle of the Toon.

Northumbria is not to be dismissed as a top university. In the last couple of years, it has flown up the league tables, ranking 37^th in the Complete University Guide 2026 and 27^th in the Uni Compare rankings of 2026, as well as winning University of the Year in 2022. Yet, Newcastle students still cling to a sense of superiority, leaning heavily on their Russell Group title.

The rivalry is not just academic. There are tensions in culture and nightlife, with Osborne Road divided by the unspoken rules of poly vs posh bars and pubs. Think “have I told you about my gap yahhh” boys and skinny scarf Newcastle University girls as Bar Blanc warriors. Meanwhile, Soho Jesmond is the place of the poly. Who wouldn’t want to be in the presence of Brack Burger? It is a Northumbria University student’s place to be.

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If this doesn’t differentiate the two enough, you can spot a “posh” from a mile away. Find them strolling to lectures in Tom’s Trunks and Birkenstocks, MacBook always in hand having apparently never even heard of a laptop case. Most likely hanging from a long night at Space Mondays, Hobo or the Palace, the debrief always happens with a Local coffee in hand.

Stereotypically the university with better chat, Northumbria students are less bothered than the “posh” about accepting their labels, insisting they would “rather be a poly than a posh”. Your Howlers die hards and GDT fanatics, these wanna be DJs will inevitably be the last one in the club when the lights come on, ready for their Athena kebab for the walk home. It can’t be disputed that they know how to have a good night out.

However, the actual showdown took place on Wednesday 3rd December on the rugby pitch, with Northumbria taking on Newcastle in the “Big Clash”. Both universities pride themselves on their quality of sport, with Newcastle being ranked eighth currently in the 24/25 BUCS season and Northumbria ranked 23rd, but only one could officially claim bragging rights. The game finished with a 40-3 win to Newcastle.

Ultimately, the so-called “poly vs posh” clash is mainly surface-level, with both universities sharing the same love for rivalry. This encourages competition academically and the highest standards of sport when varsity comes around. No matter the university, students all share the same love for the city of Newcastle.