It was first played during the 2001-2002 season and serves as the second tier county cup for the Northumberland Rugby Union, which encompasses Newcastle upon Tyne, North Tyneside, and Northumberland.

The current holders are Rockcliff who defeated Novocastrians 28-18, in the 2023 cup final.

All Senior Plate Finals have been held at various venues in the county and takes place on Easter Saturday.

The Senior Plate is currently the second most important county cup competition for club sides based in Northumberland and Tyne and Wear typically competing at tier 7 (Durham/Northumberland 1), tier 8 (Durham/Northumberland 2) and tier 9 (Durham/Northumberland 3) of the English rugby union system.

The format is a knock-out cup with a quarter-final, semi-final and final, which is played at a neutral ground in April.