Novos were formed in September 1899 as Old Novocastrians Rugby Football Club by a group of former pupils of the Royal Grammar School, Newcastle upon Tyne.

The attendance of Grammar school boys is specially required.’ Novos had many grounds until in 1925 Sir Arthur Sutherland bought Benton Lodge for the club to play rugby on and also paid for the clubhouse to be built, in 1928, which is still in use today.

Novos reached the Northumberland Senior Cup Final on three occasions in the 1930s but failed to win the trophy that continues to elude the club.

John Elders, England Head Coach (1972–74) and sports master at the Royal Grammar School combated this in the 1970s and 1980s and became a key advocate for the club, helping bring many players to Novos throughout the 1960s, 70s and 80s.

Novos reached their first Northumberland Senior Cup (rugby union) final in 30 years in 2022, losing out to Alnwick RFC who play 2 leagues higher in Regional 1 North East.