Newcastle Falcons vs Northampton Programme

NEWCASTLE 

FALCONS VS 

NORTHAMPTON SAINTS 

SUN 29.10.23 

KO 15:00 

MATCH-DAY PROGRAMME

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KE E P I NG 

HOME 

YOU W A R M 

STARTING XV 

1 

15 ELLIOTT OBATOYINBO 2345678 

14 ADAM RADWAN 

13 TOM PENNY 

12 RORY JENNINGS 

11 IWAN STEPHENS 

10 BRETT CONNON 

9 SAM STUART 

STARTING XV 

1 

15 GEORGE FURBANK (C) 2345678 

14 TOM SEABROOK 

13 FRASER DINGWALL 

12 RORY HUTCHINSON 

11 GEORGE HENDY 

10 FIN SMITH 

9 TOM JAMES 

REPLACEMENTS 

ADAM BROCKLEBANK 

JAMIE BLAMIRE 

MARK TAMPIN 

PHILIP VAN DER WALT 

SEBASTIAN DE CHAVES 

SAM CROSS 

GUY PEPPER 

CALLUM CHICK (C) 

16 BRYAN BYRNE 17 PHIL BRANTINGHAM 18 MURRAY MCCALLUM 19 JOHN HAWKINS 

20 KIRAN MCDONALD 21 HUGH O’SULLIVAN 22 FREDDIE LOCKWOOD 23 MATIAS ORLANDO 

REPLACEMENTS 

ETHAN WALLER 

CURTIS LANGDON 

TREVOR DAVISON 

CHUNYA MUNGA 

ALEX COLES 

ANGUS SCOTT-YOUNG 

TOM PEARSON 

SAM GRAHAM 

16 TOM CRUSE 17 ALEX WALLER 18 ELLIOT MILLAR MILLS 19 TOM LOCKETT 20 ALEX MOON 

21 ARCHIE MCPARLAND 22 JAMES GRAYSON 23 TOM LITCHFIELD 

AWAY 

REFEREE: HAMISH SMALES 

ASSISTANT REFEREES: HAMISH GRANT, JAMIE LEAHY 

TELEVISION MATCH OFFICIAL: DEAN RICHARDS 

TIME KEEPER: ALAN HUGHES 

CITING OFFICER: BRIAN CAMPSALL

ALEX 

CODLING 

FOR A 25-YEAR-OLD 

TO REACH A CENTURY 

OF APPEARANCES IS A 

SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT 

Good afternoon and thank you for coming to our second home 

game of the Gallagher Premiership season as we host Northampton 

Saints at Kingston Park. 

I would like to welcome Northampton’s director of rugby Phil 

Dowson back to a venue with which he is very familiar from his 

time as a Newcastle Falcons player, and to all the Saints’ staff 

and supporters. 

Fingers crossed the conditions can’t be anywhere near as bad 

as they were for our previous home game last Friday night when 

ourselves and Gloucester had to battle with everything Storm 

Babet threw at us. 

I want to thank our supporters who turned up in such awful 

weather for your incredible backing, and I’m sure you all share 

our frustration that we were not quite able to send you home 

with a victory to celebrate. 

I thought the boys battled well in many respects during what 

must have been virtually impossible playing conditions, and 

credit to Gloucester for being able to close out the result. 

Our commitment and resilience wasn’t up for question, but our 

discipline in the first half ended up costing us in a league where 

the margins are so tight. 

We saw another wonder-try from Adam Radwan during a 

much-improved second half, and it’s a special day for Adam this 

afternoon as he plays his 100th game for Newcastle Falcons. 

For a 25-year-old to reach a century of appearances is a special 

achievement, and even more so when it’s his local professional 

club after previously playing locally with Middlesbrough, Billingham 

and Darlington Mowden Park. 

Radders is an incredible talent and a lovely lad who really epitomises 

what this club is about, and I’m sure our fans will give 

him a great reception when he runs out for this really important 

game. 

Both sides are still hunting their first win in what is a really competitive 

league, and we know that Northampton will provide another 

strong test today with the talent they have in their squad. 

Rugby World Cup final weekend is a time when all eyes will be on 

the sport, and represents a great opportunity for the club game 

to capitalise on the wider interest. 

Our Argentinian quartet will I am sure be disappointed at Friday’s 

semi-final defeat to New Zealand, with Mateo Carreras starting 

the game, Matias Moroni and Eduardo Bello coming on from the 

bench and Pedro Rubiolo also being among their touring party. 

We look forward to their return next week because they have so 

much to offer the group, and from an English perspective there 

was no shortage of drama and intensity in last Saturday’s narrow 

semi-final defeat to South Africa. 

In the meantime of course we are looking no further than the 

immediate challenge of taking on Northampton Saints. 

Once again thank you for your continued support, and I hope you 

enjoy the game. 

CODDERS 

ALEX CODLING - HEAD COACH’S NOTES 

5

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9

ADAM 

RADWAN 

“ Getting released by the 

Falcons wasn’t going to 

be the end for me. 

He’s the fly-fishing try machine who gets Falcons fans off 

their feet. But as Adam Radwan admits, his rugby journey has 

not always been swallow dives and highlights reels. 

The prospect of reaching 100 games in Newcastle Falcons colours 

seemed a million miles away when the Osmotherly-born 

winger fell out of the professional game, but through character 

and sheer doggedness he earned his way back. 

“When I was in the academy here I remember having a chat 

with Jimmy Ponton and Mark Laycock, who were running it at 

the time,” says Radwan, whose 99 appearances for the Falcons 

have yielded a remarkable 52 tries. 

“They basically said there wasn’t going to be a contract for me 

at that moment in time, but that I had a lot of potential and the 

door was never closed. They were really honest about it and 

gave me great feedback in terms of what I needed to go away 

and do, but there’s no denying the fact it was hard to take. 

“I was gutted because all I wanted to do was be a professional 

rugby player, but I also knew that getting released by the 

Falcons wasn’t going to be the end for me. I was sure I was 

going to give it a good crack and I was really hungry to get 

back in there, but if they’d told me at that moment that I was 

going to reach 100 games for the club at the age of 25, I’d have 

said they were mad!” 

Playing his junior rugby with Middlesbrough and going on to 

represent both Billingham and Darlington Mowden Park, just 

like last week’s wonder-try against Gloucester, Radwan’s rugby 

path has not been a straight one. 

“It’s been a hell of a journey, and with the benefit of hindsight I 

wouldn’t change it,” he says. 

“Obviously nobody ever wants to get released by a club but it’s 

made me who I am today, and Marko and I have joked about it 

plenty of times since. I always wind him up by saying ‘thanks 

for letting me go’, but all joking aside I’ve got massive respect 

for the way in which they handled it and the fact the door 

remained open. 

“It made me incredibly motivated to go away and work on my 

game, and I’ve seen life away from professional rugby. The real 

world is pretty scary – a lot scarier than being a rugby player – 

and there’s nothing I’d rather do. 

“I love it here, I love the lads and a lot of us have come through 

the academy together. That’s also really special, and going 

back even further myself and Ben Stevenson were team-mates 

for Middlesbrough Under-12s back in the day. To go all the way 

from Acklam Park on a Sunday morning to playing together in 

the Premiership is amazing, and I’m really grateful for all the 

memories I’ve made so far.” 

“I love it 

here, I love 

the lads.” 

Conscious of his status as an idol for many of Newcastle’s 

junior supporters, Radwan embraces the position, having seen 

both sides of it. 

“It’s really nice when kids or any supporters really come up to 

you and want a photo or an autograph, because I want to get 

people excited about the game and help the club to grow,” he 

explains. 

PLAYER INTERVEIW - ADAM RADWAN 

11

“I play the game the way I do because I want to get people up 

out of their seats being excited about rugby, and I think back 

to when I was young. I was part of the guard of honour at a 

Falcons game, waving the flags when the players ran onto the 

field. I had my photo taken with Alex Tait after the match and I 

was absolutely buzzing because I was just star-struck meeting 

him in the flesh. 

“It’s funny looking back because he’s a mate of mine now and 

I wind him up all the time by sending him the photo, but this 

is a special club and the players really value everything our 

supporters do for us. It’s no hardship at all if someone wants 

a selfie, a high five or whatever, and I just think back to when I 

was that kid and how I felt about the Falcons. 

“The players really 

value everything our 

supporters do for 

us.” 

“I like having a run with the ball, which the fans seem to enjoy, 

although guys like Brett Connon and the coaches probably tear 

their hair out when I go off-script. I love to score tries, whether 

they’re from one metre out or one hundred. I just want to get 

my hands on the ball and have a crack, and as much as I was 

joking about the coaches getting frustrated when I don’t stick 

to script they’re actually really good at giving me the licence to 

go if I think it’s on.” 

Asked who excites him in the current game, he says: “Internationally, 

I love the two Irish wingers, Mack Hansen and James 

Lowe. The way they play the game is class because they’re 

popping up all over the pitch, getting touches everywhere and 

creating opportunities out of nothing. More locally, we have a 

few really exciting young lads at the club. 

“Three for me who immediately stick out are Ben Redshaw. 

He’s going to be a really good player – he is already, to be fair 

– and Oli Spencer is another one. He’s had some horrendous 

luck with injuries but has come back really well, and he’s very 

skilful. He looks like he has loads of time on the ball, and in the 

pack Jacob Oliver is another. He rocked up here last year when 

he was still a schoolboy and trained with the first team, and I 

thought he was a centre. He was flying round the field making 

breaks, and he reminds me of Jamie Blamire in lots of ways.” 

Media and message boards might be full of doom and gloom 


Sam Cross making a tackle during the 2016 Olympics 

13

in my hands a bit more. He wants us to play a much more 

attacking brand of rugby and says he’ll back us to the hilt. The 

message he keeps saying is ‘if it’s on, it’s on’, which is music 

to my ears. That’s been a big change but it’s been refreshing, 

and all the boys have bought into it. I’m just excited for where 

it can take us.” 

Even the rainy grip of Storm Babet could not thwart Radwan’s 

try-scoring tendencies last Friday - the winger putting social 

media into meltdown with a solo score which gathered almost 

a million views online. 

“It was tough out there last Friday,” he says, having helped the 

Falcons to a bonus point from their 18-14 reverse at home to 

Gloucester. “The wind was swirling around in all directions and 

you couldn’t read the flight of the ball, but in saying that I still 

think we created enough opportunities to win the game. That’s 

the frustrating part, and we as players have to take responsibility 

for that. 

“The loss at Bath, too, in the opening round was another frustrating 

one. We had two yellow cards but played some really 

good stuff, and should probably have had at least a bonus 

point. I don’t feel like we’re far away from it all coming together, 

but clearly our discipline is something we need to work on. 


around the game, but Radwan looks at it another way. 

“Rugby’s had a really tough season with three clubs going bust, 

and then Jersey at the start of the current season. That’s awful 

to see and tragic for the people affected by it, but I also think 

the Gallagher Premiership is an amazing product with loads 

of things going for it. I understand some people are naturally 

drawn towards the negative stuff and I don’t want to pretend it 

hasn’t been hard, but I also feel like a lot of the good bits often 

get ignored or played down. 

“I love the brand of 

rugby we’re aiming to 

play.” 

“Last season we saw more tries scored, more teams are 

playing an exciting brand of rugby and the atmospheres in stadiums 

is getting better, I think. Clubs are doing more and more 

to try and make it a better experience when people physically 

come to a game, and it’s not as if rugby was the only sport or 

part of society which took a hit after everything that’s gone on 

in the world over the past few years.” 

Away from rugby Radwan’s pastimes are about as far from 

rock n roll as it’s possible to get, and you’re more likely to find 

him on a riverbank than in a nightclub. 

“I used to go fly fishing when I was very young, and it was 

Richard Palframan at the club who got me back into it around 

three years ago,” he reveals. 

“Palf persuaded me to go with him for the day and I just loved 

it. Since then I’ve been hooked - pun intended! – and I go a 

fair bit. I enjoy salmon fishing, which is really hard, but I’ve 

managed to catch a few and it’s a nice switch-off from rugby. 

Even when it’s not going so well and you don’t catch anything, 

you’re still outdoors in beautiful countryside. You’ll see otters, 

deer and stuff like that, and it’s mentally relaxing. 

“A spot I love is around the North Tyne. That’s my favourite 

stretch, and I caught my biggest ever salmon when I went 

there for the first time this year. That was a big deal for me, 

and it’s mad when you think these salmon come all the way 

from the sea, swim under the Tyne Bridge in Newcastle and all 

the way up the river. They’re just incredible.” 

Resisting the urge to swim downstream from Kingston Park 

in the summer, Radwan penned a three-year deal to remain 

on Tyneside, confounding the doubters who choose to cast 

shade rather than light onto the Premiership’s northern rugby 

outpost. 

“A lot of us were out of contract at the end of last season and 

we felt like we could really push the club forward by commit 

ting to it and being more competitive in winning things. I love 

the club, and the brand of rugby that we’re aiming to play will 

really suit me. I love the environment here, and we’ve always 

been the underdogs – even when we finished in the top four 

and made the Premiership semi-finals. 

“It’s irrelevant, really, what other folk think. People are going to 

have their opinions and it’s not important to us as players. We 

know how much quality we’ve got in this group and what we’re 

capable of, and the biggest thing for us is having that confidence 

and belief. We understand it won’t happen overnight, 

but it will happen, and we’ve got the people within our group to 

make sure it does. 

“Alex Codling has been great since coming in as head coach. 

He’s been really positive, and he’s keen for me to get the ball 

“Penalties and cards are costing us, and we’re our own worst 

enemy. We’ve looked at it in our analysis and had a referee 

come in this week to work with us, and we’re still creating 

chances. It’s two games in and we’ve got plenty of opportunities 

to put it right. We’re one or two passes away from scoring 

a lot more tries, and at some stage in the near future it’s going 

to click.” 

Adamant that last season’s home loss to Northampton is not 

a major part of their motivation, Radwan says: “It’s a different 

season, so that result doesn’t really come into my thinking. 

“Yeah, it was obviously a really disappointing night, but both 

squads have changed a lot since then. We’ve got a load of new 

coaches and players, and the end of last season was tough 

for our squad because there was a lot going on. That’s not an 

excuse for what was a bad score-line, but I just don’t think it’s 

relevant this weekend. There’s a lot of motivation anyway for 

Sunday from our side, and we’ve just parked last season rather 

than using it to fuel the fire. 

“I say all that, and I truly mean it – but maybe, yeah, in the back 

of my mind we owe them one!” 


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COMMUNITY 

PROJECT RUGBY 

MAKING POSITIVE 

IMPACT 

Aimed at U16 boys and girls (school year 11) who are 

rugby enthusiasts interested in pursuing a full-time rugby 

programme, the event will take place on Wednesday November 

1 from 2-6pm at Kingston Park Stadium. 

You’ll have the chance to discover the ins and outs of our rugby 

programme, including the fantastic opportunities it can open 

for you. 

Experience the thrill of being in the same field where the 

Newcastle Falcons train as we offer you a hands-on training 

session. 

There’s no need to worry about signing up, simply show up at 

our Tap and Tackle bar in the East Stand. 

If you would like to find out more information about the 

programme or open event, please email 

niall.johal@newcastle-falcons.co.uk. 

DISABILITY 

MULTI-SPORTS 

AND TAG RUGBY 

We are excited to announce that Falcons Community is offering 

a fantastic opportunity to participate in disability multi-sports 

and tag rugby sessions supported by Tyneside Badminton 

Centre. 

The sessions will take place every Monday for 10 weeks from 

5-6pm, and are designed to be inclusive, fun and engaging for 

all participants. 

There are still spaces available but they are limited, so we 

encourage you to sign up as soon as possible by emailing 

falconscommunity@newcastle-falcons.co.uk. 

COMMUNITY NEWS 

Over the school year our community development officers will 

be delivering rugby sessions to schools in the local community 

through Project Rugby. 

The programme is run by Premiership Rugby in collaboration 

with England Rugby and designed to increase participation 

in the game by people from traditionally under-represented 

groups. These groups are ethnically diverse communities, 

people from Lower socio-economic backgrounds and disabled 

people. 

Our community development officers have been attending local 

schools including Kingsmeadow, Peterlee, Newburn and South 

Tyneside College this term aiming to transition students into 

grassroots clubs or their sustained involvement in the game. 

Community development officer Stephen Parsons, who has 

been delivering sessions to Kingsmeadow, said: “The Girls have 

engaged well with the new skills, laws, complex nature of the 

game and the introduction of contact and tackling. It’s great to 

information required to ensure safe and effective tackles.” 

If this is a programme that you would like to provide in your 

school or college, or require further information, please email 

falconscommunity@newcastle-falcons.co.uk. 

TYNEMET RUGBY 

EXCELLENCE OPEN 

EVENT 


see them getting stuck in and enjoying tackling the opposition. 

They have picked up the key safety points and technical 

We’re excited to invite you to the Tynemet Open Event taking 

place at Kingston Park. 

18 

19


20 

21

CLUB NEWS 

FLY WITH THE 

FALCONS 

Travel on Newcastle Falcons’ team charter flight when we take 

on Perpignan in the EPCR Challenge Cup. The match at Stade 

Aime Giral sees the Falcons returning to Catalan country for the 

first time in 20 years. 

Our flight-only package is priced at £350 and will see you flying 

with the players and support staff direct from Newcastle to 

Perpignan on Saturday January 20. 

The game takes place the following afternoon, with the return 

flight back to Newcastle later that day. Please note, hotel, 

transfers and match ticket are not included. 

Book direct by emailing 

jodie.jinks@travelcounsellors.com. 

CLUB NEWS 

FALCONS FIT 

Falcons Community has had a fantastic four weeks running 

Falcons Fit, which sees 30 enthusiastic participants turning up 

for 12 weeks, committed to improving their health. 

Over the past four weeks Falcons Community has worked 

closely with Nuffield Health Newcastle Hospital to educate 

individuals on effective health interventions and lifestyle 

adjustments to help improve participants’ overall health and 

well-being. 

The programme has consisted of rugby-themed physical 

activity, strength and conditioning gym sessions and healthy 

lifestyle workshops. Falcons Community have also encouraged 

participants to increase their movement by setting weekly 

step-count goals. 

Falcons Fit kicked off with Lynsey and Gavin from Nuffield 

Health Newcastle Hospital helping participants set out SMART 

goals, get baseline measurements and give participants an 

introduction to physical education and a look into what the 

next 12 weeks had to offer. 

In week two we welcomed even more participants where they 

learned about the nutrition pyramid, focusing on calories, 

macros and the RPE scale. They also took part in rugby-themed 

games, partner races and kicking challenges, and finished off 

with a few rounds of the famous West Stand steps! 

During the session in week three participants continued to 

focus on energy expenditure and daily calorie requirements 

as well as a physical activity session to raise the participants’ 

heart rate. 

Gavin and Alex from Nuffield Health Newcastle Hospital 

joined us in week four to deliver a brilliant presentation on 

how we can control our blood pressure by making lifestyle 

adjustments. 

For more information about Falcons Fit or other programmes 

we offer to improve health and wellbeing, please email 

falconscommunity@newcastlefalcons.co.uk. 

22

GIMME 

FIVE! 

Our quickfire Q&A puts a Newcastle Falcons player 

under the spotlight, getting to know them on and off 

the field. 

This week it’s the turn of Argentina centre Matias ‘Tosti’ 

Orlando, who is in his fourth season with the Falcons 

after joining from Jaguares in his homeland. 

Pre-match music? 

I like to listen to Argentinian music – a playlist with a mix 

of pop, rock, cumbia and cuarteto. 

Cheat meal? 

Definitely Argentinian BBQ! 

Hobbies? 

Spending time with the lads, making friends and improving 

my English! I take everything that I can from every 

single experience. 

Ideal holiday destination? 

Mallorca 

Rugby hero? 

Juan Martin Hernandez or Juan Manuel Leguizamon. Both 

are a huge example of how I want to be as a player and a 

person. 

Pre-match music? 

I like to listen to Argentinian music – a playlist with a mix 

of pop, rock, cumbia and cuarteto. 

Cheat meal? 

Definitely Argentinian BBQ!. 

Hobbies? 

Spending time with the lads, making friends and improving 

my English! I take everything that I can from every 

single experience. 

Ideal holiday destination? 

Mallorca 

Rugby hero? 

Juan Martin Hernandez or Juan Manuel Leguizamon. Both 

are a huge example of how I want to be as a player and a 

person. 

GIMMIE FIVE! - WITH MATIAS ORLANDO 

25

1. 

1. 

1. 

1. 

WELCOME TO THE 

FIRST TEAM 

TRUE NORTH 

NEWCASTLE FALCONS 2023 - 24 

PLAYERS 

PHIL 

BRANTINGHAM 

PROP 

BORN: 02/10/01 

HEIGHT: 1.83M (6FT) 

WEIGHT: 117KG (18ST 5) 

SPONSORED BY 

ADAM 

BROCKLEBANK 

PROP 

BORN: 06/09/95 

HEIGHT: 1.88M (6FT 1) 


HONOURS: ENGLAND STUDENTS 

AVAILABLE TO 

SPONSOR 

LOUIS 

BROWN 

FULL-BACK 

BORN: 17/02/98 



HONOURS: ENGLAND 

COUNTIES U18 

SPONSORED BY 

BRYAN 

BYRNE 

HOOKER 

BORN: 09/09/93 

HEIGHT: 1.78M (5FT 10) 


HONOURS: IRELAND U20 

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JOSH 

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SPONSORED BY 

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BARTON 

EDUARDO 

BELLO 

SPONSORED BY 

JAMIE 

BLAMIRE 

SPONSORED BY 

MATEO 

CARRERAS 

BACK ROW 

SCRUM-HALF 

PROP 

HOOKER 

LOCK 

WING 

BACK ROW 

FLY-HALF 

BORN: 17/04/96 BORN: 15/12/97 BORN: 27/11/95 BORN: 22/12/97 

BORN: 13/01/97 

BORN: 17/12/99 

BORN: 25/11/96 

BORN: 29/08/96 

HEIGHT: 1.83M (6 FT) HEIGHT: 1.85M (6FT) HEIGHT: 1.90M (6FT 2) HEIGHT: 1.85M (6FT) 





WEIGHT: 103KG (16 ST 3) WEIGHT: 85KG (13ST 5) WEIGHT: 120KG (18ST 12) 


WEIGHT: 121KG (19ST) 




HONOURS: ENGLAND U20S 

HONOURS: ARGENTINA 


HONOURS: ENGLAND STUDENTS HONOURS: ARGENTINA 



AVAILABLE TO 

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26 27

1. 

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CROSS 

BACK ROW 

BORN: 28/8/92 


WEIGHT: 100KG(15ST 10) 

HONOURS: WALES 

SEBASTIAN 

DE CHAVES 

JAMES 

ELLIOTT 

JOHN 

HAWKINS 

LOCK 

SCRUM-HALF 

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BORN: 30/10/90 BORN: 29/08/98 

BORN: 11/11/96 

HEIGHT: 2.02M (6FT 6) HEIGHT: 1.77M (5FT 10) 


WEIGHT: 117KG (18ST 5) WEIGHT: 82KG (12ST 13) 


HONOURS: SOUTH AFRICA U20 HONOURS: ENGLAND STUDENTS 

CAMERON 

HUTCHISON 

CENTRE 

BORN: 01/06/98 

HEIGHT: 1.82M (6 FT) 

WEIGHT: 102KG (16 ST 1) 

HONOURS: SCOTLAND U20 

FREDDIE 

LOCKWOOD 

BACK ROW 

BORN: 31/12/00 



HONOURS: ENGLAND U19 

CHARLIE 

MADDISON 

HOOKER 

BORN: 24/06/91 



MURRAY 

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PROP 

BORN: 16/03/96 




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OLLIE 

LEATHERBARROW 

BACK ROW 

BORN: 08/04/02 



HONOURS: SCOTLAND U20 

SPONSORED BY 

RORY 

JENNINGS 

SPONSORED BY 

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SPONSORED BY 

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KERR 

SPONSORED BY 

KIRAN 

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MATIAS 

MORONI 

SPONSORED BY 

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FLY-HALF/CENTRE 

LOCK/BACK ROW 

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BORN: 24/12/95 BORN: 11/10/95 BORN: 13/12/99 BORN: 01/11/94 

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BORN: 09/10/98 

BORN: 14/11/91 












HONOURS: ENGLAND U20S 




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28 29

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1. 

HUGH 

O’SULLIVAN 

SCRUM-HALF 

BORN: 24/2/98 




RICHARD 

PALFRAMAN 

TOM 

PENNY 

GUY 

PEPPER 

PROP 

FULL-BACK 

BACK ROW 

BORN: 20/12/93 BORN: 13/10/94 

BORN: 15/04/03 





HONOURS: ENGLAND STUDENTS HONOURS: ENGLAND U18 

BEN 

STEVENSON 

WING/CENTRE 

BORN: 19/7/98 




SAM 

STUART 

SCRUM-HALF 

BORN: 27/09/91 




MARK 

TAMPIN 

PROP 

BORN: 20/01/92 



JOSH 

THOMAS 

FLY-HALF 

BORN: 30/06/00 



HONOURS: WALES U20 

AVAILABLE TO 

SPONSOR 

AVAILABLE TO 

SPONSOR 

SPONSORED BY 

SPONSORED BY 

AVAILABLE TO 

SPONSOR 

SPONSORED BY 

SPONSORED BY 

AVAILABLE TO 

SPONSOR 

1. 

1. 

1. 

1. 

1. 

1. 

1. 

SQUAD 2023-24 - FIRST TEAM STAFF 

VEREIMI 

QOROWALE 

WING/CENTRE 

BORN: 27/01/95 

HEIGHT: 1.86M (5FT 11) 

WEIGHT: 102KG (16 ST 1) 

HONOURS: BRITISH ARMY 

AVAILABLE TO 

SPONSOR 

ADAM 

RADWAN 

WING 

BORN: 30/12/97 




SPONSORED BY 

The 

Blackbirds 

PEDRO 

RUBIOLO 

BACK ROW/LOCK 

BORN: 21/12/02 




SPONSORED BY 

IWAN 

STEPHENS 

WING 

BORN: 24/03/02 




AVAILABLE TO 

SPONSOR 

PHILIP 

VAN DER WALT 

LOCK 

BORN: 14/07/89 



AVAILABLE TO 

SPONSOR 

MICHAEL 

VAN VUUREN 

HOOKER 

BORN: 28/09/91 



HONOURS: SOUTH AFRICA U20 

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SPONSOR 

GEORGE 

WACOKECOKE 

CENTRE 

BORN: 23/10/95 




AVAILABLE TO 

SPONSOR 


30 31

NEWCASTLE FALCONS 2023 - 24 

1. 1. 1. 

1. 

FIRST TEAM 

STAFF 

JOHN 

STOKOE 

TEAM MANAGER 

STEVE 

BREMNER 

PERFORMANCE ANALYST 

MATT 

HODKINSON 

PERFORMANCE ANALYST 

KEVIN 

MCSHANE 

HEAD OF ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE 

1. 1. 1. 

1. 

1. 1. 1. 

1. 

LEWIS 

WILLIAMS 

STRENGTH & CONDITIONING COACH 

SHAUN 

MCLAREN 

STRENGTH & CONDITIONING COACH 

RHYS 

GRIFFITHS 

HEAD PHYSIO 

ANDY 

SHEA 

PHYSIO 

1. 1. 1. 

1. 


ALEX 

CODLING 

HEAD COACH 

MICKY 

WARD 

COACH 

MARK 

LAYCOCK 

COACH 

SCOTT 

BALDWIN 

COACH 

DERMOT 

AUSTIN 

PHYSIO 

RACHEL 

SCURFIELD 

LEAD DOCTOR 

DEAN 

SHIPSEY 

MATCH-DAY DOCTOR 

1. 1. 1. 

1. 

MATT 

GLOVER 

KIT CO-ORDINATOR 

ALAN 

BASKERVILLE 

KIT CO-ORDINATOR 

ANDREW 

CRUICKSHANK 

PSYCHOLOGIST 

ANDY 

RAMSHAW 

MATCH-DAY DOCTOR 

LINDSAY 

MCNAUGHTON 

PERFORMANCE NUTRITIONIST 


32 33

1. 1. 

1. 

1. 

SENIOR 

WELCOME TO THE 

TRUE NORTH 

NEWCASTLE FALCONS 2023 -24 

ACADEMY 

BEN 

DOUGLAS 

SPONSORED BY 

OLLIE 

FLETCHER 

NATHAN 

GREENWOOD 

SCRUM-HALF 

HOOKER 

WING 

BORN: 16/01/04 BORN: 09/09/02 

BORN: 20/11/03 

HEIGHT: 1.77M (5FT 8) HEIGHT: 1.83M (6FT) 






HONOURS: GREAT BRITAIN 7S 

JOAN MILNE 

AVAILABLE TO 

SPONSOR 

AVAILABLE TO 

SPONSOR 

LOUIE 

JOHNSON 

FLY-HALF 

BORN: 13/06/03 




SPONSORED BY 

1. 1. 1. 

1. 

1. 1. 

1. 

1. 

SQUAD 2023-24 - SENIOR ACADEMY PLAYERS 

FINN 

BAKER 

SAM 

CALRK 

LUKE 

COULSTON 

LOCK PROP LOCK 

BORN: 17/10/04 BORN: 31/1/04 BORN: 17/07/04 

HEIGHT: 2.01M (6FT 7) HEIGHT: 1.84M (6FT) HEIGHT: 2M (6FT 6) 

WEIGHT: 100KG (15ST 10) WEIGHT: 120KG (18ST 13) WEIGHT: 95KG (14ST 13) 



AVAILABLE TO 

SPONSOR 

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AVAILABLE TO 

SPONSOR 

MARK 

DORMER 

PROP 

BORN: 16/09/02 




AVAILABLE TO 

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ISAAC 

KELLER 

JACOB 

OLIVER 

SPONSORED BY 

BEN 

REDSHAW 

PROP 

HOOKER 

CENTRE/FULL-BACK 

BORN: 30/03/05 BORN: 15/3/05 

BORN: 10/1/05 


HEIGHT: 1.77M (5FT 10) 







AVAILABLE TO 

SPONSOR 

SPONSORED BY 

Hodgkinson & 

Lawson 

MIKE 

REWCASTLE 

PROP 

BORN: 17/05/04 




AVAILABLE TO 

SPONSOR 

SQUAD 2023-24 - SENIOR ACADEMY PLAYERS 

34 

35

1. 1. 

1. 

1. 1. 1. 

1. 

ADAM 

SCOTT 

OLIVER 

SPENCER 

MARCUS 

TIFFEN 

LOCK 

FULL-BACK 

BACK ROW 

BORN: 27/11/01 BORN: 22/2/04 

BORN: 03/09/02 







KEITH 

ROBINSON 

ACADEMY DPP MANAGER 

NICK 

TODD 

ACADEMY PERFORMANCE 

MANAGER 

1. 1. 

1. 

MICHAEL 

FERGUSON 

SENIOR ACADEMY STRENGTH 

& CONDITIONING COACH 

JOE 

MARTIN 

JUNIOR ACADEMY ATHLETIC 

DEVELOPMENT COACH 

AVAILABLE TO 

SPONSOR 

AVAILABLE TO 

SPONSOR 

AVAILABLE TO 

SPONSOR 

CATHERINE 

BOAL 

ACADEMY PHYSIO 

JAKE 

GRIFFIN 

ACADEMY PHYSIO 

CHERYL 

ABDUL 

ACADEMY ADMINISTRATOR 

SQUAD 2023-24 - SENIOR ACADEMY PLAYERS + ACADEMY STAFF 

36 

STAFF 

1. 1. 1. 

1. 

ACADEMY 

JAMES 

PONTON 

HEAD OF ACADEMY 

NEWCASTLE FALCONS 2023 -24 

TOM 

WILLIAMS 

TRANSITION COACH 

PJ 

BUTLER 

ACADEMY COACH 

JACK 

HAYES 

ACADEMY COACH 

BE PART OF THE TEAM 

TO SPONSOR A PLAYER, EMAIL 

corporatesales@newcastle-falcons.co.uk 

0191 214 2892 

SQUAD 2023-24 - ACADEMY STAFF 

37

PLAYER STATS 

Name 

Falcons 

career 

apps 


career 

points 


career 

tries 

Season 

2023-24 

apps 

Season 

2023-24 

points 

Season 

2023-24 

tries 

Name 


career 

apps 


career 

points 


career 

tries 

Season 

2023-24 

apps 

Season 

2023-24 

points 

Season 

2023-24 

tries 

Josh Bainbridge 1 0 0 3 0 0 Freddie Lockwood 31 10 2 6 5 1 

Finn Baker 1 0 0 1 0 0 Charlie Maddison 27 5 1 0 0 0 

Josh Barton 11 10 2 2 0 0 Murray McCallum 5 0 0 5 0 0 

Eduardo Bello 0 0 0 0 0 0 Kiran McDonald 5 5 1 5 5 1 

Jamie Blamire 92 110 22 3 10 2 Matias Moroni 15 5 1 0 0 0 

Phil Brantingham 14 0 0 6 0 0 Elliott Obatoyinbo 22 15 3 4 0 0 

Adam Brocklebank 106 0 0 7 0 0 Jacob Oliver 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Louis Brown 2 10 2 2 10 2 Matias Orlando 40 20 4 5 5 1 

Bryan Byrne 1 0 0 1 0 0 Hugh O'Sullivan 5 0 0 5 0 0 

Tim Cardall 4 0 0 4 0 0 Richard Palframan 31 0 0 3 0 0 

Mateo Carreras 36 80 16 0 0 0 Tom Penny 91 50 10 5 0 0 

Callum Chick 129 95 19 4 0 0 Guy Pepper 13 20 4 6 5 1 

Sam Clark 1 0 0 1 0 0 Max Pepper 1 5 1 1 5 1 

Brett Connon 93 456 2 5 36 0 Vereimi Qorowale 2 5 1 0 0 0 

Luke Coulston 1 0 0 0 0 0 Adam Radwan 99 260 52 5 15 3 

Sam Cross 4 0 0 4 0 0 Ben Redshaw 4 0 0 4 0 0 

Sebastien de Chaves 45 5 1 6 5 1 Mike Rewcastle 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Mark Dormer 4 0 0 1 0 0 Pedro Rubiolo 8 5 1 0 0 0 

Ben Douglas 5 5 1 2 5 1 Adam Scott 0 0 0 0 0 0 

James Elliott 0 0 0 0 0 0 Oliver Spencer 1 0 0 1 0 0 

Ollie Fletcher 12 15 3 4 10 2 Iwan Stephens 15 40 8 3 20 4 

Nathan Greenwood 1 5 1 0 0 0 Ben Stevenson 71 90 20 5 10 2 

John Hawkins 0 0 0 0 0 0 Sam Stuart 87 40 8 5 0 0 

Cameron Hutchison 3 0 0 3 0 0 Mark Tampin 79 0 0 5 0 0 

Rory Jennings 2 0 0 2 0 0 Corbin Thunder 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Louie Johnson 8 33 1 4 25 1 Josh Thomas 12 19 0 3 2 0 

Isaac Keller 0 0 0 0 0 0 Marcus Tiffen 9 10 2 2 0 0 

John Kelly 4 0 0 4 0 0 Philip van der Walt 44 15 3 3 0 0 

Zach Kerr 14 15 3 3 5 1 Michael van Vuuren 6 5 1 6 5 1 

Ollie Leatherbarrow 2 0 0 2 0 0 George Wacokecoke 65 85 17 1 5 1 

PLAYER STATS 

39

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ALL OUR YESTERDAYS 

ALL OUR 

YESTERDAYS 

Kingsley Hyland’s stroll 

through the club archives 

continues, looking back at 

key moments in our history. 

25 YEARS AGO – OCTOBER 31, 1998 

NEWCASTLE FALCONS 43-12 

SARACENS 

The last match as part of the failed experiment of playing 

home games at the Gateshead Stadium saw probably the best 

performance of an otherwise disappointing season for the 

Falcons. 

Visitors Saracens had been the bookies’ favourites for 

the Premiership after running the Falcons so close the 

previous season, but they were overwhelmed by a dominant 

performance by the Falcons’ pack in front of a crowd of 4,832. 

The Falcons raced into a ten-point lead after Jonny Wilkinson 

opened the scoring with a penalty on 15 minutes followed 

six minutes later by a try from Richard Horton, on as a blood 

replacement for Ross Nesdale, converted by Wilkinson. 

On 36 minutes Garath Archer stole a Sarries lineout enabling 

Tony Underwood to cut inside, evade a number of attempted 

tackles and score between the posts - Wilkinson’s conversion 

giving the ‘home’ side a 17-0 lead at half-time. 

The visitors threatened a comeback four minutes into the 

second half when a misunderstanding between Wilkinson and 

Gary Armstrong allowed Gavin Johnson to run in from his own 

half. Johnson converted his own try to reduce the deficit to 

ten points. 

The antagonism between the two sides, carried over from two 

tightly-fought games the previous season, spilled over two 

minutes later when renowned pugilists Richard Arnold and 

Danny Grewcock exchanged punches and were invited to cool 

off in the sin-bin for ten minutes. 

Any chance of a Sarries comeback was snuffed out on 56 

minutes as the Falcons went through the phases, allowing 

Wilkinson to slip a delightful short pass to Underwood, who 

crossed for his second try, Wilkinson converting for 24-7. 

Three minutes later Saracens were again reduced to 14 men 

when, in the course of a mass brawl in the middle of the field, 

lock Troy Coker was spotted by a touch-judge re-shaping Ian 

Peel’s nose and was shown a red card by referee Chris White. 

On 64 minutes Armstrong stood up opposite number Kyran 

Bracken to score from 30 metres, Wilkinson again converting 

to stretch the lead to 31-7. 

With seven minutes of normal time remaining Underwood 

completed his hat-trick after Inga Tuigamala had intercepted 

a pass in his own half and fed Martin Shaw, who in turn fed 

Wilkinson, who sent out a sumptuous long pass to Underwood 

for the score, which Wilkinson could not improve. 

There was still time for the impressive Shaw to get on the 

score sheet with the best of the six tries following some 

intricate play from the backs. Rob Andrew converted to take 

the lead out to 43-7. 

Six minutes into added time Jim Naylor was denied a try 

for a double movement, and the final action of an eventful 

afternoon saw Richard Hill cross for a consolation try. 

The teams that day were: 

Newcastle: S.Legg; V.Tuigamala; M.Shaw; R.Andrew; 

T.Underwood (rep. J.Naylor 76); J.Wilkinson (rep. P.Massey 80); 

G.Armstrong; G.Graham; R.Nesdale (rep. R.Horton 63); I.Peel; 

G.Archer; D.Weir; P.Walton (rep. R.Beattie 41); R.Arnold (rep. 

S.O’Neill 72); D.Ryan (capt). 

Saracens: G.Johnson; R.Constable; S.Ravenscroft; J.Thompson 

(rep. B.Taylor 60); R.Wallace; A.Penaud; K.Bracken; A.Olver; 

G.Chuter; W. de Jonge; T.Coker; D.Grewcock; F.Pienaar (rep. 

P.Johns 35); R.Hill; T.Diprose (capt). 

46 

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NEWCASTLE FALCONS 19-17 BATH 

The Falcons had once again made an inconsistent start to the 

new season, winning at Sale (9-8) and at home to Gloucester 

(42-22) but losing at home to Saracens on the opening 

weekend (20-25) and on the road at Harlequins (11-18) and 

Northampton (20-33). 

Bath on the other hand were defending an unbeaten record. 

In addition to missing talisman Jonny Wilkinson away on World 

Cup duty, South Africans Mark Andrews and Marius Hurter 

were absent due to injury. Front row resources were severely 

stretched when Ian Peel was forced to leave the field just 

before half-time to be replaced by 18-year-old South Shields 

native David Wilson, who was making his senior debut. 

Despite these issues and a tendency to press the self-destruct 

button the Falcons were good value for a victory which was 

achieved despite a late drama. 

The home side dominated the first half, but this was not 

reflected on the scoreboard. Dave Walder twice kicked the 

Falcons ahead with penalties, only to be matched in each 

occasion by Bath’s Olly Barkley, who then kicked a third 

penalty to nudge the visitors ahead 9-6 at the break. 

The Falcons levelled six minutes into the second half with 

Walder’s third penalty, but the first try of the match came 

seven minutes later against the run of play when number 8 

Zak Fe’aunati went over for Bath. Barkley could not add the 

extras, but the visitors now led 14-9. 


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With ten minutes of normal time remaining the Falcons finally 

got a reward for their endeavours. Centre Mark Mayerhofler 

put in a towering relieving kick, which the Bath full-back 

allowed to bounce before he was flattened by the chasing 

Jamie Noon and Mike Stephenson. Warren Britz managed to 

turn the ball over and pop a pass to replacement Phil Dowson 

to crash over. 

Walder, who was excelling with his kicking duties in Wilkinson’s 

absence, kicked a magnificent conversion from wide out and 

the Falcons led 16-14. 


48 

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Mark Mayerhofler 49

Walder’s fourth penalty extended the lead to 19-14, but 

with a minute of injury time played Bath were awarded a 

penalty when Epi Taione was deemed to have killed the ball. 

Astonishingly, Bath elected to kick for goal rather than to 

touch, from where a converted try would have given them 

victory. 

Although Barkley was successful with the penalty and the 

referee played a further four minutes of injury time, the 

Falcons’ defence held firm. 

The teams that day were as follows: 

Newcastle Falcons: 

D.Walder; T.May; J.Noon; M.Mayerhofler; M.Stephenson: 

P.Godman; H.Charlton (rep. J.Grindal 20); I.Peel (rep. D.Wilson 

41); N.Makin; M.Ward; G.Archer; C.Hamilton (rep.P.Dowson 58); 

J.Dunbar (rep. E.Taione 73); W.Britz; H.Vyvyan (capt). 

Bath: 

M.Perry (rep. R.Blakey 71); A.Higgins; A.Crockett (rep. G.Knott 

66); O.Barkley; B.Daniel (rep. J.Williams 54); C.Malone; M.Wood; 

D.Flatman; D.Humphreys (capt) (rep. L.Mears 52); D.Bell (rep. 

M.Stevens 39); S.Borthwick; R.Fidler; A.Beattie; M.Lipmman; 

I.Feaunoti. 

Whilst Walder’s goal-kicking compensated for Wilkinson’s 

absence, Wilkinson’s own kicking was playing a key part in 

England’s stuttering progress to the World Cup final. 

Going into the tournament as favourites, Wilkinson had kicked 

16 points in an 84-6 victory over Georgia and a further 20 

points in an unconvincing 25-6 victory over South Africa. 

On the day that the Falcons played Bath, England faced Samoa 

and almost came a cropper. They trailed by two points going 

into the last 15 minutes and needed late tries from Iain 

Balshaw and Phil Vickery to see them home 35-22. 

Wilkinson kicked 15 points with three penalties and two 

conversions to add to an earlier try from Neil Back and a 

penalty try. 

The rest, as they say, is history as Wilkinson’s 100th minute 

drop goal – adding to the seven drop goals he kicked en-route 

to the final – provided rugby union with one of its most iconic 

images. 


NEWCASTLE FALCONS 13-11 LONDON 

IRISH 

Later drama was again the order of the day as the Falcons, 

who were finding life far from straightforward on their return 

to the Premiership, secured their first home win of the season. 

They had already gone down to Bath (0-21) and Gloucester (16- 

22) at Kingston Park, and to Leicester (6-31) on the road. Their 

sole successes were at Sale (15-14) and Worcester (16-11). 

In foul weather and with the Newcastle United v Sunderland 

game being shown live on TV just 4,766 turned up to watch 

a game which did little to enthuse the hardy souls who had 

made the effort to attend. 

There was a spark of enterprise from Irish to open the scoring 

in the 12th minute when swift inter-passing between Topsy 

Ojo and hooker David Paice provided the opportunity for Ofisa 

Treviranus to cross for a try which David Humphreys was 

unable to convert. 

Humphreys then missed a penalty which would have given the 

visitors the lead once again. 

The night’s real drama came with seconds remaining on the 

clock when Irish were awarded a penalty on the ten-metre 

line. Humphreys had been replaced by Shane Geraghty who 

twice lined up the kick only for the ball to fall off the tee. 

On the third occasion a colleague held the ball securely in 

place, but under pressure from some of the Falcons, referee 

Greg Garner ordered Geraghty to get a move on. Hurried into 

finally taking the kick, Geraghty’s effort fell short and the final 

whistle sounded. 

The teams that day were as follows: 

Newcastle Falcons: A.Tait; T.Catterick; D.Barnes; A.Powell; 

R.Shortland; R.Clegg (rep. P.Godman 56); M.Blair; R.Vickers (rep. 

G.Shiells 56); S.Lawson (rep. G.McGuigan 56); O.Tomaszczyk 

(rep. K.Brookes 52); C. Del Fava; F.McKenzie (rep. W.Welch 61); 

D.Barrow; M.Wilson; A.Hogg (capt). 

London Irish: T.Ojo (rep. D.Armitage 50); A.Lewington; 

F.Mulchrone; E.Sheridan; S.Tagicakibau; J.Humphreys (rep. 

S.Geraghty 72); T.O’Leary (capt) (rep. D.Allinson 52); J.Vapp; 

D.Paice; L.Hala’vatau (rep. J.Hogan 60); B.Evans; I.Gough; 

B.Cowan; O.Treviranus; C.Hala’ufia (rep. J.Sinclair 61). 

For the record, Sunderland beat Newcastle 3-0. 

Two penalties from Rory Clegg nudged the Falcons in front, 

but a Humphreys penalty on the cusp of half-time meant that 

Irish had the advantage 8-6 at half-time with the wind at their 

backs in the second half. 


The game’s third quarter did little to excite but the Falcons 

gradually got on top despite Humphreys’ second penalty 

stretching the Irish lead to five points. 

The home side responded with a raft of replacements and, 

after going close several times through the forwards, the 

backs took over as a swift pass from scrum-half Mike 

Blair allowed centre Adam Powell to cross for the try - Phil 

Godman’s conversion putting the Falcons ahead 13-11 with 15 

minutes remaining. 


Adam Powell 

50 

Jonny Wilkinson dropping THAT goal 

51

FIXTURES AND RESULTS 

FIXTURES AND RESULTS 

FOR 6-17 

YEAR OLDS 

SEPTEMBER 

PRC Sat Sep 9 Ampthill W 17-40 

PRC FRI SEP 15 BEDFORD BLUES W 26-16 

PRC FRI SEP 22 SALE SHARKS W 23-10 

PRC Sat Sep 30 Leicester Tigers L 60-7 

OCTOBER 

PRC SUN OCT 8 CALDY W 66-13 

GP Sat Oct 14 Bath L 34-26 

JANUARY 

GP FRI JAN 5 HARLEQUINS 7.45pm 

ECC FRI JAN 12 BENETTON RUGBY 8pm 

ECC Sun Jan 21 Perpignan 1pm 

GP Jan 26/27/28 Northampton Saints TBC 

MARCH 

GP Mar 22/23/24 Exeter Chiefs TBC 

GP MAR 29/30/31 LEICESTER TIGERS TBC 


52 

GP FRI OCT 20 GLOUCESTER (L 14-18) 

GP SUN OCT 29 NORTHAMPTON SAINTS 3pm 

NOVEMBER 

GP Sat Nov 4 Harlequins 3pm 

GP SUN NOV 12 SARACENS 3pm 

GP Fri Nov 17 Sale Sharks 7.45pm 

GP SUN NOV 26 EXETER CHIEFS 3pm 

DECEMBER 

GP Sun Dec 3 Leicester Tigers 3pm 

ECC SUN DEC 10 MONTPELLIER 3.15pm 

ECC Sat Dec 16 Emirates Lions 3.15pm 

GP FRI DEC 22 BRISTOL BEARS 7.45pm 

GP Sat Dec 30 Saracens 3pm 

NEXT TIME AT KP 

V SARACENS 

SUN NOV 12th 

Gallagher Prem 

Kick-off: 3:00 pm 

KEY: GP = Gallagher Premiership, ECC = EPCR Challenge Cup, PRC = Premiership Rugby Cup, F = Friendly. 

(Home games in capital letters) 

APRIL 

ECC Apr 5/6/7 Round of 16 

ECC Apr 12/13/14 Quarter-finals 

GP Apr 19/20/21 Bristol Bears TBC 

GP APR 26/27/28 SALE SHARKS TBC 

MAY 

ECC May 3/4/5 Semi-finals 

GP MAY 10/11/12 BATH TBC 

GP May 17/18/19 Gloucester TBC 

ECC Fri May 24 Final (Tottenham Hotspur Stadium) 

JUNE 

ECC Apr 5/6/7 Round of 16 

ECC Apr 12/13/14 Quarter-finals 

TICKETS: 

0191 214 5588 (option 1) 

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For more info visit WWW.RUGBYCAMPS.COM

BY MARK SMITH - NEWCASTLE FALCONS MEDIA MANAGER 

It might not have produced the result that most of us wanted, but the 

viewing figures were really encouraging from last Saturday’s Rugby 

World Cup semi-final between England and South Africa. 

The Springboks’ dramatic late victory saw 8.7 million people tuning 

in for the gripping climax on ITV, making it the most-watched 

programme of 2023. 

More people tuned into the rugby than King Charles’ coronation, 

the Britain’s Got Talent final and my own personal favourite – the 

Challenge TV late-night repeat of Bullseye! 

We had 41% of the total television viewership fixated on events at 

Stade de France, which can only be good for the sport. 

Closer to home, we welcome the TNT Sport cameras to Kingston Park 

today for the first time this season. 

I got myself in trouble over the summer when I tweeted from my 

personal account that the Falcons were only being shown live on TV 

three times during the opening 11 rounds of the Gallagher Premiership, 

with every single other club being shown at least double that. 

We only lost once live on TV during last season’s Premiership season 

(ironically against today’s visitors) and produced many moments of 

high drama during our televised victories over Leicester Tigers, Bristol 

and Gloucester. 

I’ve had my say and copped the resulting telling-off from the league, 

but hopefully the next wave of TV picks, whenever it gets decided, can 

see a more equitable distribution of games. 

For the Premiership and the clubs within it to grow everybody needs 

their fair share of exposure, and a big home performance today would 

go some way towards that. 

We welcomed commentator Ali Eykyn and a TNT Sport camera crew 

here earlier in the week to gather their preview interviews and info, 

and we’re delighted to have them on site again today for what should 

be a cracking game. 

The return of the weekly ITV highlights show once again ensures freeto-air 

exposure for the league, and contrary to what many supporters 

think we also enjoy great support from our local TV news. 

ITV Tyne Tees and BBC Look North are regulars at our weekly press 

conferences, and I know many of my oppos at other Premiership 

clubs do not always enjoy the same level of exposure on their own 

respective patches. 

I did have to feel for the photographers at our most recent home 

game, however. Their usual perch at either end of the field looked 

more akin to a swimming pool rather than a sports venue as Storm 

Babet took Tyneside in its grip, and there was zero chance of them 

being able to open their laptops to wire over any live images. 

Even my comfortable spot in the very back row of the West Stand got 

a thorough drenching, and in 21 years covering the Falcons I can barely 

remember worse conditions. 

FROM THE PRESS BOX - WITH MARK SMITH 

55

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RIGHT 

HOOKER 

CURTIS LANGDON 

BELOW 

WINGER 

JAMES RAMM 

IN OPPOSITION 

NORTHAMPTON SAINTS 

NICKNAME 

Saints, Jimmies 

FOUNDED 

1880 

HOME GROUND 

cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens 

DIRECTOR OF RUGBY 

PHIL DOWSON 

CAPTAIN 

Lewis Ludlam 

Northampton Saints come into this afternoon’s fixture still 

searching for their first victory of the Gallagher Premiership 

season. 

The East Midlands outfit were defeated 20-15 at Sale Sharks on 

the league’s opening weekend, with tries from wingers Tommy 

Freeman and James Ramm just not enough to beat the men 

from Manchester. 

Last weekend’s home tie against Bristol saw the consolation of 

a pair of bonus points from their 33-27 defeat, when a pair of 

Tom Seabrook tries and one from Tom Pearson had put them 

into a one-point half-time lead. 

Two driving maul tries from the Bears after the break proved 

decisive, but the Saints will have fond memories of Kingston 

Park following their victory here on the penultimate round of 

last season. 

Director of rugby Phil Dowson returns to the club at which he 

was first-team captain, and the Saints squad has a number of 

familiar faces in its ranks for Falcons followers. 

Prop-forward Trevor Davison is chief among those, with the 

Geordie native heading to Franklin’s Gardens towards the back 

end of last season after playing more than a century of games 

for his home-town team. 

Scottish hooker Robbie Smith and Cornish centre Joel Matavesi 

have also worn the black of Newcastle, forming part of a 

Northampton squad which had a relatively stable summer. 

Premiership semi-finalists last season who lost away to 

Saracens in the knock-out phase, their headline summer 

recruit was all-action flanker Tom Pearson, with the England 

international arriving from London Irish following their off-field 

troubles. 

Fellow Exiles Chunya Munga and Izaiha Moore-Aiono followed 

the same route, while Lyon’s Finian second-row Temo 

Mayanavanua adds to their bulk and athleticism. 

Well-travelled hooker Curtis Langdon continued his rugby 

journey by arriving from Montpellier after spells with Worcester 

and Sale, while ex-Gloucester wing Tom Seabrook showed his 

early impact with two tries last weekend. 

South African centre Burger Odendaal returned to the Gallagher 

Premiership after impressing with Wasps prior to their offfield 

travails, and their coaching team also saw a shake-up 

with Remaining in the ranks are a host of household names, 

with former Worcester stand-off Fin Smith one of their key 

attacking weapons following Dan Biggar’s mid-season move 

to Toulon. 

Fiji hooker Sam Matavesi provides a threat around the park 

after returning from Rugby World Cup duty, with Scottish 

international Rory Hutchinson among their midfield options. 

There was certainly no shortage of points during their 

BELOW 

BACK-ROWER 

TOM PEARSON 

Premiership Rugby Cup campaign, scoring 240 across their five 

group games at an average of 48 per match, but it was still not 

enough to make the semi-finals. 

Their 48-22 away loss to Ealing on the opening weekend was 

followed by a 55-5 home win over Cambridge, but a 39-38 

away loss at Bristol proved key key. 

They defeated Bath 43-42 at home as the high scores 

continued, and ended their assault on the competition with a 

televised 82-12 rout at home to Doncaster prior to the start of 

the league season. 

IN OPPOSITION - NORTHAMPTON SAINTS 

63

FIN SMITH TOMMY FREEMAN TREVOR DAVISON 

fly-half full-back PROP 

THREE TO 

WATCH 

DIRECTOR OF RUGBY 

PHIL DOWSON 

Northampton’s director of rugby is well known to the Falcons faithful, 

having been a former club captain during his long and successful 

playing career. 

Scoring the winning try for the Falcons in the 2004 Powergen Cup final, 

Dowson’s playing career saw him appearing in the back for Northampton 

and Worcester as well as breaking into the English national side. 

Dowson is in his second season as director of rugby following the departure 

of Kiwi veteran Chris Boyd, in whose coaching staff he served 

prior to stepping up. 

The 21-year-old fly-half is in his first full season with the 

Saints after joining last autumn following Worcester Warriors’ 

expulsion from the Premiership. An England Under-20s 

international who is also qualified for Scotland, Smith is the 

grandson of former Scotland and British & Irish Lions prop, 

Tom Elliot. 

Having become the youngest player to start a Premiership 

game for Worcester when he was 18, Smith played 33 times 

for the Warriors and has already appeared 13 times in the 

Premiership for Northampton.them to Top 14 title success 

in his first campaign there, as well as winning the league’s 

Player of the Season award. 

The Saints academy graduate has played more than 50 

games for the Saints after making his first team debut back 

in 2019. 

A versatile back who has excelled at full-back, the Oxford-born 

Freeman scored a hat-trick on his last visit to 

Kingston Park and has been capped four times by England 

– the last of those coming against South Africa during last 

year’s Autumn Nations Cup. 

The Saints prop will be a familiar face to Falcons fans after 

playing 105 games for his home town club, with the Newcastle 

native heading down to Franklin’s Gardens at the tail end 

of last season. 

Now aged 31, Davison began his rugby journey with Blaydon 

RFC, playing for England Counties before stepping up into the 

professional game after being spotted by Falcons forwards 

coach Micky Ward. Going on to make his England debut in the 

summer of 2021, Davison has the ability toplay on both sides 

of the scrum. 

IN OPPOSITION - NORTHAMPTON SAINTS 

65

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With the league season for the non-professional clubs 

approaching the end of its second month, now seems a good 

time to review how our local clubs have been faring. 

Despite pre-season optimism regarding another top-half finish 

in National League 2 North, Tynedale’s season got off to the 

worst possible start with five consecutive defeats. What must 

have frustrated their director of rugby Ben Woods is the fact 

that all but one of those defeats was by less than a single 

score. They have since rebounded with consecutive victories 

over Huddersfield (33-18) and Fylde (34-28) and now sit in 

tenth place. 

Flying the flag for Northumberland in Regional One North East 

are Alnwick, who finished a creditable third place last season. 

After an opening-day victory over York (19-16) they suffered 

three successive losses against Ilkley (6-27), Blaydon (24-10) 

and leaders Harrogate (6-44) before righting the ship with 

successive victories over Cleckheaton (23-10), Sandal (40-38) 

and Doncaster Phoenix (25-16). 

The county is well represented in Regional Two North with 

Percy Park, Northern and Morpeth. Park hosted Northern on the 

opening weekend and were impressive in a comfortable 39-12 

victory, following up with wins on the road at Cockermouth 

(47-10) and Upper Eden (32-3) and at home to Keswick (31-12), 

Morpeth (49-16) and West Hartlepool (52-24) before losing 

24-43 to Consett. Nevertheless, they do lead the table. 

Despite going down at Aspatria (10-24) Northern have 

remained in contention with five victories and currently lie in 

third, seven points adrift. 

Counties One Durham and Northumberland is the usual mixed 

bag for our local clubs. Whitley Bay Rockcliff went down 54-59 

on the opening weekend but followed this with victories 

over Novos (47-31), South Shields Westoe (27-24) and Bishop 

Auckland (29-25) to move them up the table before defeats to 

Guisborough (10-24) and Sunderland (17-38) saw them slip to 

eighth place. 

After struggling at times last season Novocastrians made an 

impressive start to the season with four wins in their opening 

six games, including an opening day victory at Medicals (19-29) 

in the Heaton ‘derby’. Unfortunately a five points deduction 

for past disciplinary offences sees them down in ninth place. 

Medicals for their part have made their traditionally slow 

start as they awaited the return of their students, losing their 

first three matches including that defeat to Novos. With a full 

complement of players they have rallied strongly, with four 

consecutive victories 

Ponteland, however, are struggling in the lower reaches of the 

table after their opening-day win over South Shields Westoe 

was followed by six successive defeats. 

Northumberland has just two representatives in Counties Two 

Durham and Northumberland. Ashington lead the way in fourth 

with four wins from seven. North Shields have fared less well 

despite starting with two victories, since which they have lost 

five on the bounce. 

Counties Three Durham and Northumberland is another mixed 

bag for our local teams. Pride of place undoubtedly goes to 

Blyth with seven wins from seven games. 

Sadly, this is only enough to see them in second place. Gosforth 

sit behind them in third, but once again have flattered to 

deceive, excellent victories over Yarm (49-14), Winlaton 

Vulcans (46-23), Newton Aycliffe (89-7) and Jarrovians (41-26) 

matched by defeats to Durham University (7-57), Blyth (31-33) 

and Wallsend (17-22). 

Seghill belied rumours of their potential demise as they started 

with three successive wins, since when three defeats have 

seen them slip to sixth. Prudhoe and Stocksfield are the only 

Northumberland club who remain win-less, with their usual 

problem of overlapping cricket and rugby seasons giving rise to 

player shortages. 

NORTHUMBERLAND RUGBY UNION 

69

arbour.com

SUSTAINABILITY AT NEWCASTLE RUGBY LIMITED: 

Championing the Future of Sport and the Planet 

Another team 

you can count on 

Nuffield Health Newcastle Hospital 

At Newcastle Rugby Limited, we are committed to driving sustainability in the world of 

sports and entertainment. Our vision extends beyond the thrill of the game, focusing 

on the long-term well-being of our planet, our community, and future generations. 

Here are our key messages on sustainability: 

1. Greening the Game: 

We are actively reducing our carbon footprint through energy-efficient 

technologies and renewable energy sources. From LED floodlighting to future 

planning for solar panels, we’re dedicated to minimising our impact on the 

environment. 

2. Waste Reduction: 

We’re tackling waste head-on by implementing recycling programs, reducing 

single-use plastics, and encouraging fans to join us on our journey. Together, 

we aim to create a cleaner, greener stadium experience. 

3. Food Waste: 

We have reduced our food waste and all our products are UK sourced. 

Ultimately, locally sourced food products policy reflects a commitment to 

fostering local economies, reducing environmental impact, and providing 

consumers with fresh and high-quality food options. It can also be tailored 

to the specific goals and circumstances of the organisation or community 

implementing it. 

4. Biodiversity and Green Spaces: 

Our stadium isn’t just a venue; it’s a hub for nature. We’re nurturing green 

spaces around the stadium, creating habitats for local wildlife, and enhancing 

the overall quality of life in our neighbourhood. 

5. Inclusivity and Accessibility: 

We’re ensuring everyone can enjoy the excitement of our games by prioritising 

accessibility and inclusivity in our stadium design. From accessible seating to 

quiet break out spaces, we’re fostering an inclusive fan experience. 

We’ve been providing outstanding private healthcare to people in the 

North East for over 40 years. You can trust our team of dedicated experts 

who offer a wide range of treatments including: 

• Hip and knee surgery 

• Joint preservation surgery 

• Cataract surgery 

• Neck and spinal surgery 

• Men’s health – bladder and prostate 

• Women’s health – breast screening. 

To find out more call 0808 149 3239 

or visit nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals/newcastle-upon-tyne 

6. Future-Proofing Sport 

Sustainability isn’t just a trend; it’s the future of sports and entertainment. 

By adopting eco-friendly practices, we’re safeguarding the longevity of our 

stadium and the sports we all love. 

7. Inspiring Change: 

Our Stadium is more than a venue; it’s a platform for positive change. We’re 

committed to inspiring fans, partners, and the sports industry to embrace 

sustainability and make a lasting impact. 

Join us on this exciting journey towards a more sustainable future. Together, we can 

make every game a win for both our teams and the planet. Newcastle Rugby Limited: 

Where Passion Meets Sustainability.

QUIZ 

Test your knowledge on all 

things rugby with our ten-question 

teaser. Answers are upside 

down at the bottom of the page. 

Q1 Last year’s Gallager Premiership 

Try of the Season was scored against 

Northampton Saints. Which player scored 

it? 

Q2 Which former Newcastle Falcons and 

Northampton Saints player is pictured 

here? 

Q6 True or false, Newcastle Falcons wing 

Adam Radwan was born in a Post Office? 

Q7 Which former Newcastle Falcon 

played international rugby union for both 

Tonga and Australia? 

Q8 Kingston Park Stadium hosted the 

Red Roses women’s national team against 

which country last season? 

Q9 Which Newcastle Falcons player is 

pictured here? 

Q3 Northampton hooker Sam Matavesi 

plays international rugby for which 

country? 

Q4 ‘Arm Status’ is an anagram of which 

Newcastle Falcons player’s name? 

Q5 Which French team do Newcastle 

Falcons play away from home in this 

season’s EPCR Challenge Cup? 

Q10 How many Australian teams 

compete in Super Rugby? 

ANSWERS: 1 1 Mateo Carreras, 2 Euan Murray, 3 Fiji, 4 Sam Stuart, 5 Perpignan, 6 True, 7 Cooper Vuna, 8 Scotland, 9 Kiran 

McDonald, 10 Five.

Photo from The Gallagher Premiership Rugby Final 2023 

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E: sayhello@ajg.com 

T: +44 (0)20 7204 8990 

Gallagher and Gallagher Employee Benefits are trading names of Gallagher Risk & Reward Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the 

Financial Conduct Authority. Not all business carried out by the company is regulated. Arthur J. Gallagher (UK) Limited is authorised and regulated 

by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered Office: The Walbrook Building, 25 Walbrook, London EC4N 8AW. Registered in England and Wales. 

Company Number: 1193013. FP900-2022b Exp 15.06.2023 | ARTUK-4318

Newcastle Falcons vs Northampton Programme

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