A stunning fireworks display on Newcastle's Quayside has brought a fine weekend of rugby action to a close.
Thousands flocked to the city for the European showpiece finals of rugby league and rugby union at St James' Park .
French fans arrived in the North East for Friday's Challenge Cup final which saw Clermont Auvergne blow domestic rivals La Rochelle away.
Saracens and Leinster served up another memorable occasion on Saturday as the English side came out on top in the Heineken Champions Cup final.
Newcastle's city centre has enjoyed a carnival atmosphere over Finals Weekend, with the sun shining down on revellers at the Champions Rugby Village fanzone by the River Tyne.
And the rugby bonanza was drawn to a close with a spectacular fireworks display on the Quayside on Saturday night.
Adam Nixon, from London, was one of the thousands to enjoy the sporting spectacle on Tyneside.
A regular at Heineken Champions Cup weekends, he believes the Newcastle experience managed to top last year's host Bilbao.
Adam, 27, said: "We have been to finals for the last few years. It's always weather dependent, and with the sunshine coming out it has been class.
"Bilbao was good but I think so far this is better. This is a good fanzone and one of our managed to win the kicking competition!"
Newcastle City Council leader Nick Forbes labelled it one of the "biggest events" the city has ever hosted.
He wrote: "I am so proud of Newcastle for hosting the Heineken Challenge and Champion cups this weekend - one of the biggest events our city has hosted.
"Thank you to everyone who made it possible and is making the thousands of rugby fans feel at home!"
Thousands of rugby fans are believed to have passed through the doors at Newcastle International Airport over the course of the weekend.
Nick Jones, chief executive at Newcastle International Airport, said: “Holding great sporting events like this in the North East is a fantastic opportunity for the region, and we are pleased to play a part in what is going to be a memorable set of cup finals."
Newcastle city centre turns French ahead of European Challenge Cup rugby final
Newcastle city centre turns French ahead of European Challenge Cup rugby final Rugby fans arrive in Newcastle for the Heineken Cup and Champions Cup
