The earliest report of a football match in Newcastle was in 1860, when 'a lover of the old English games has offered one of Mrs. O’Hagan's most fashionable bonnets as a prize to the fortunate party who shall give the winning (final) kick in a game of foot-ball, to be played on the new cricket ground, near St. John's Church'.

Early clubs in the competition included Advance (1880); West Maitland (1885); Oriental (1885); Union (1885); Ferndale (1885); Waratah (1885); Raymond Terrace (1886); Carlton (1887); Centennial (1887); Lambton (1888); Wickham Albion (1888) and Greta (1890).

After a match between Great Public Schools Old Boys and Newcastle High School Old Boys at Empire Park in 1924, a decision was made to reform the Newcastle Rugby Union; this was beginning of the current Premier Rugby Competition.

Medowie Marauders The Newcastle and Hunter Rugby Union now consists of 20 clubs across 3 Divisions plus a women's competition.

First grade premiers (1945 onwards):[1] Notes: *Tie for Premiership The following players have played a Rugby Union Test for Australia.