Sandwiched between his stints at the Thunder, Richie spent 6 seasons with the Brothers between 2010 and 2017. During this time, he was part of a formidable forwards unit helping the Brothers to 3 Inter Services titles. Richie also was part of the RNRL Tri Nations squad that toured New Zealand in 2010 and the RN Tour party to Australia 4 years later. Richie’s connections to the then Gateshead Thunder led to a pre-season friendly at our HQ in Portsmouth ahead of the 2013 season. On top of all that Richie represented RNRL at UK Armed Forces level in the RFL Presidents Cup. Of late Richie has joined the BFBS Sports team as co commentator using his experiences as a player to provide inciteful and unbiased input to Inter Services fixtures.

In his last co-comm fixture Richie was joined by former RAF and UKAF Chairman Damian Clayton in the comm box. In a strange twist of fate and following the introduction of the new League format for 2026, Newcastle Thunder will play Halifax Panthers who have as their CEO one Damian Clayton!

Reacting to his appointment Richie posted the following
This is one of life's full circle moments for me to share that I’ve been appointed CEO of Newcastle Thunder Rugby League — the club that started my rugby journey, and the one that’s always felt like home.

My rugby league story began back when Gateshead Thunder launched in 1998/99. From playing for Newcastle Knights as a junior, to representing Gateshead Storm in my teenage years, to pulling on the Gateshead Thunder shirt and winning the league — this sport continues to give me opportunity and a huge sense of belonging.

I’m back home, ready to take the club into a new era. I feel the weight of responsibility to the community, the club partners, my past team mates and everyone who believes in rugby league in the North East.

I must extend my sincere thanks to Keith Christie and Jordan Robinson for their selfless efforts in resurrecting the club in 2023. Without their commitment, this opportunity wouldn’t exist.
There’s work to do — but that’s the exciting part.
Together with an incredibly talented group of administrators, coaches, and players, we’re ready to take Newcastle Thunder to new heights.

Newcastle Thunder released the following announcement confirming Richie’s appointment which can be viewed at the following link
https://www.thunderrugby.co.uk/article/835/richie-metcalfe-appointed-ceo-of-newcastle-thunder?fbclid=IwY2xjawNxXDVleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFNcElPTkUyc2Nm

Good luck Richie from all at RNRL!