Game Preview: v Newcastle Vikings

Mon Apr 27 2026

Yorkshire Academy Rams vs Newcastle Vikings

3 May 2026, 2:00pm

Druid Park, Newcastle

Rams v Vikings

Latest results:

One To Watch

#16 Michael Rojas

#16 Michael Rojas

Michael Rojas announced himself as a name to watch in emphatic fashion on opening day, scoring three touchdowns in the 56-2 demolition of Glasgow Tigers — two on QB sneaks and one on a decisive read-option keeper.

The quarterback also showed his arm, connecting with Fred Jones, Matt Snell and Ben Dolan on key passes that kept drives moving and kept the Tigers' defence guessing throughout.

With a full game under his belt and confidence sky-high, all eyes will be on Rojas to see whether he can replicate that form on the road against a Vikings defence that will pose a sterner test.

One To Watch

#13 Jacob Shotton

#13 Jacob Shotton

Jacob Shotton led the Vikings in receiving yards in their most recent outing and took one to the house from over 50 yards out, underlining the kind of big-play ability that makes him a threat every time the ball is in the air.

Reliable hands and genuine speed make Shotton a focal point of the Newcastle passing game, and the Rams' secondary will need to be switched on from the first snap to keep him in check.

Last 5 meetings:

  • 6 August 2023: Northumberland Vikings 29 - 8 RAMS
  • 4 June 2023: RAMS 6 - 23 Newcastle Vikings
  • 3 July 2022: RAMS 30 - 12 Northumberland Vikings
  • 5 June 2022: Northumberland Vikings 34 - 14 RAMS
  • 7 July 2019: Northumberland Vikings 22 - 0 RAMS

For all previous meetings, click here.

Summary

The Rams make the trip north to Druid Park for their first road game of the 2026 season, facing a familiar and formidable opponent in the Newcastle Vikings. The two sides have a long and competitive history, with the Vikings undefeated in the fixture at home since 2017. This will be the first meeting since the Vikings rebranded from Northumberland back to Newcastle, but the rivalry is as fierce as ever.

Yorkshire head into this one on the back of an emphatic opening-day victory, having put 56 points on the Glasgow Tigers at West Leeds RUFC last weekend. Michael Rojas impressed on his first start at quarterback, the running game was devastating, and the defence barely allowed a meaningful drive all afternoon. It was as close to a perfect start as the coaching staff could have hoped for.

The Vikings have historically been a tough proposition on home soil, and the Rams’ last four visits to Tyneside have all ended in defeat. Newcastle opened their own 2026 campaign with a convincing 41-19 home win over the Chester Romans on 19 April, so they will arrive full of confidence and keen to extend that winning run against familiar opposition.

Something has to give at Druid Park, and both sides will know the importance of an early-season result in a competitive NFC North. Expect a physical contest from the opening whistle.