Newcastle Falcons vs Exeter Chiefs Programme

MATCH-DAY PROGRAMME 

NEWCASTLE 

FALCONS VS 

EXETER CHIEFS 

SUN 26.11.23 

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KE E P I NG 

HOME 

YOU W A R M 

STARTING XV 

1 

15 TOM PENNY 2345678 

14 ADAM RADWAN 

13 MATIAS MORONI 

12 CAMERON HUTCHISON 

11 IWAN STEPHENS 

10 LOUIE JOHNSON 

9 JAMES ELLIOTT 

STARTING XV 

1 

15 TOMMY WYATT 2345678 

14 IMMANUEL FEYI-WABOSO 

13 HENRY SLADE 

12 JOE HAWKINS 

11 BEN HAMMERSLEY 

10 HARVEY SKINNER 

9 TOM CAIRNS 

REPLACEMENTS 

PHIL BRANTINGHAM 

JAMIE BLAMIRE 

EDUARDO BELLO 

JOHN HAWKINS 

KIRAN MCDONALD 

PEDRO RUBIOLO 

GUY PEPPER 

CALLUM CHICK (C) 

16 BRYAN BYRNE 17 ADAM BROCKLEBANK 18 MURRAY MCCALLUM 19 PHILIP VAN DER WALT 

20 SAM CROSS 21 HUGH O’SULLIVAN 22 RORY JENNINGS 23 LOUIS BROWN 

REPLACEMENTS 

SCOTT SIO 

JACK YEANDLE 

EHREN PAINTER 

RUSI TUIMA 

DAFYDD JENKINS (C) 

JACQUES VERMEULEN 

ETHAN ROOTS 

AIDON DAVIS 

16 MAX NOREY 17 ALEC HEPBURN 18 JOSH IOSEFA-SCOTT 19 LEWIS PEARSON 

20 ROSS VINTCENT 21 STU TOWNSEND 22 WILL HAYDON-WOOD 23 TOM HENDRICKSON 

AWAY 

REFEREE: CHRISTOPHE RIDLEY 

ASSISTANT REFEREES: JACK MAKEPEACE, JONATHAN HEALY 

TELEVISION MATCH OFFICIAL: DEAN RICHARDS 

TIME KEEPER: ALAN HUGHES 

CITING OFFICER: ANDY BLYTH

ALEX 

CODLING 

THIS AFTERNOON 

PRESENTS A MASSIVE 

OPPORTUNITY FOR US 

Thank you for attendance today as we embark on a really 

important afternoon for the club. 

Welcome to Rob Baxter, his Exeter Chiefs side and all of their 

supporters for what must be one of the longest trips in English 

professional sport. 

The Chiefs have had a strong start to the season and, like 

ourselves, are in somewhat of a rebuilding phase after changing 

the make-up of their squad over the summer. They have been 

able to register some key results at home, which is the big step 

we are all working hard towards here. 

Positive performances and good spells in games are one thing, 

but we are all acutely aware of the need to convert them into 

wins in a league where the margins are so small. This afternoon 

presents a massive opportunity for us to do that, and there has 

been a real buzz about the club from the players and staff as we 

all work towards the same goal. 

Anyone who knows me will know how much I hate losing, 

but despite our defeat at Sale Sharks last Friday I was really 

encouraged by much of the performance. 

To take a side showing 13 changes, with four Gallagher 

Premiership debutants on a five-day turnaround to one of the 

hardest grounds in the country to win at – that’s a big ask at 

the best of times. 

I thought we played some good rugby, we earned a four-try 

bonus point and were trailing by only four points going into the 

last five minutes. Of course, from that position we need to be 

closing out those games, and that is a huge focus for us coming 

into today. 

The fans whom myself and the players spoke to after the game 

were really appreciative of the guys’ efforts, and can see what 

we are trying to do. 

We need to be turning these positive aspects of our performance 

into victories, and we know how big a role our supporters have 

to play alongside the team in really working together to drive 

that atmosphere. 

With that in mind it is fantastic to have Wor Flags here with us 

this afternoon, putting on a visual spectacle in the West Stand 

which will really push that big-game feeling at a ground we 

always love playing at. 

Since arriving in the North East I have been really taken for the 

passion for sport which is the beating heart of this region, and 

our supporters deserve a result today for the manner in which 

they have stuck with us and got behind the group. 

Away from Kingston Park it was lovely to pop over to Paris on 

the team’s day off to attend the French rugby awards, at which 

the Oyonnax coaches were presented with ‘staff of the season’ 

following our 2022-23 ProD2 title and promotion into the Top 14. 

It was a great occasion and nice to catch up with some old 

friends looking back on last season, but it was straight back to 

Newcastle the next morning because I am filled with excitement 

about the potential within our squad and the prospect of us 

nailing that victory for you all this afternoon. 

Once again, thanks for your support. 

CODDERS 

ALEX CODLING - HEAD COACH’S NOTES 

5

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9

Meet Murray McCallum, the Dunfermline destroyer whose 

propping prowess is helping Newcastle Falcons plot a forward 

trajectory. 

The 27-year-old was part of a major summer influx at Kingston 

Park, continuing a career which has not been without its ups 

and downs. 

Playing for both professional Scottish franchises as well as the 

national team, earning a big Premiership move only to have it 

taken away by the game’s financial issues, McCallum is now 

settled on Tyneside and looking ahead with positivity. 

“I’m from Dunfermline which is in Fife, just to the north of 

Edinburgh,” he says, when asked where it all began. 

“My parents were both in the Police and we lived in the same 

place with my little brother all the way through our upbringing. 

I was a mini rugby player from seven years old at Dunfermline 

RFC, and I loved it from day one. I was in the Scouts and one of 

the parents there told my dad he should take me down to rugby, 

because I was always a big kid. I was a prop from the outset, 

and I’m not one of these guys who started at fly-half or No.8 and 

made the gradual move towards the front row!” 

“I was always a big 

kid. I was a prop 

from the outset! 

Outside of rugby he used to head over to East End Park to 

watch Dunfermline Athletic FC, although his primary footballing 

allegiance is to the famous green and white hoops of Celtic, 

thanks to his father. 

“I went to primary and secondary school in Dunfermline before 

moving to Perthshire for sixth form at Strathallan, which was 

predominantly a rugby move,” says Murray. 

MURRAY 

MCCALLUM 

“One of my coaches, Andy Henderson, brought me up 

there, and it was a lot of fun. I played for Scotland Under- 

18s but didn’t get offered a pro academy contract, so I 

moved up to Aberdeen University. At the time I went up 

to the North East – the proper North East, that is! - the 

big things up there were oil and gas, and because of my 

interest in geography and chemistry I started a geology 

and petroleum geology degree. 

“It was a tough course which I enjoyed, and I passed 

every exam I sat, but the rugby started to take off again 

so I wanted to pursue it. I went on a Scotland Under-19s 

tour to Romania then got selected for Scotland Under- 

20s, and after the 2015 Junior World Cup I moved to 

Edinburgh to sign with the BT Academy, as it was called 

then. 

PLAYER INTERVEIW - MURRAY MCCALLUM 

11

“I linked up with Heriot’s and it kind 

of started taking off from there, but I 

definitely benefited from the experience 

of getting rejected and having to go out 

into the real world. It means you don’t 

take professional rugby for granted, 

and it probably humbles you a little bit 

in terms of fully appreciating where you 

are as a pro sportsman. 

“I wasn’t somebody who left school 

and thought I’m definitely going to be 

a professional rugby player, so in that 

sense it wasn’t a body blow when I didn’t 

get signed up straightaway. I just played 

rugby because I enjoyed it, and I still do. 

I know some people in the profession 

who just treat rugby as a job and maybe 

don’t like it, but for me since the age 

of seven I’m just a guy who loves the 

game and plays it because I get pleasure 

from it.” 

Recalling his early foray into the pro 

rugby ranks, McCallum expands on his 

ability to pack down at both loose-head 

and tight-head prop, saying: “I made my 

debut for Edinburgh in November 2016, 

coming on from the bench at home to 

Treviso. I was still an academy player 

that year but a lot of their tight-heads 

had got injured, banned or called up 

for Scotland, and I ended up playing 21 

games in my first season. 

“I’ve always played on both sides of the 

scrum, and in that first season where I 

was involved in 23 games (there were 

two where I was on the bench but didn’t 

come on), 13 were at tight-head and 10 

were at loose-head.” 

Proudly earning three Scotland caps, he 

says: “The first involvement I had was in 

the autumn of 2017 when I was brought 

in for a training camp, and I made my 

debut in the Six Nations away to Wales 

in February 2018. 

“ 

I just played 

rugby because 

I enjoyed it, 

and I still do. 

“It was an unbelievable experience – Jon 

Welsh started and I came on from the 

bench – but when guys returned from 

injury and suspension I was out of the 

squad. I came back in for the summer 

tour when we went to the USA, Canada 

and Argentina. I played the first two 

tests against Canada and America, then 

had a very interesting week in rural 

northern Argentina! 

“In club terms I played for Edinburgh 

from 2016 to 2021, at which point I was 

told I wasn’t being kept on. Things were 

a little bit up in the air for a while and I 

ended up getting a shot with Glasgow, 

who had lost a few guys to Scotland and 

the Lions. I signed a six-month contract 

with a view to maybe extending it, 

and I actually played at home against 

Newcastle in a pre-season game at 

Scotstoun. 

“The Falcons won that night and it 


13

Convinced that a first league win of the season is within their 

grasp, he says: “There are such good foundations here and 

we’ve been so close in quite a few of our games. I feel like 

we’re really close to it all clicking, and I wouldn’t be hitting the 

panic button even though the results have been tough in the 

league. 

“I know a lot of the external noise is negative whenever you’re 

not winning, and that’s just the nature of professional sport. 

You have to learn to block out a lot of those voices, although 

one thing I will say is that the Falcons supporters get right 

behind the team. 

wasn’t my best performance, and the coach Danny Wilson 

gave me a kick up the backside after the game. He said I was 

going to play again the week after but that it was a close call 

between me and another player, so I basically had a friendly 

against Worcester to prove myself. I played one of the best 

games I’d had in a while, and two weeks later Worcester signed 

me.” 

“You do see the odd comment and it is what it is, but on the 

whole I think our fans are sticking with the team and playing 

every part they can in helping us to take that next step 

towards converting pressure into wins. The lads massively 

appreciate that encouragement, because the easiest thing in 

the world would be to sit there and be negative. 

“The reality is we’ve got a lot of new players this season and 

we’re making some pretty fundamental changes to how we 

play the game – and that takes time. It’s not always what 

people want to hear, but we’re spending time together and 

putting in the work needed to improve our fortunes.” 


Part of the squad who were left without a job following 

Worcester’s disappearance from the rugby pyramid, McCallum 

explains: “Everyone knows how it ended up at Worcester, but 

it was eventful from the start. In the first week I moved down 

there my partner Lorna found out she was pregnant, and then 

the head coach who signed me – Jonathan Thomas – parted 

ways with the club. 

“Steve Diamond came in with a pretty fearsome reputation but 

I actually liked him and built up a good relationship, and ended 

up playing quite a bit during the back half of that 2021-22 

season. 

“We had a pretty turbulent summer with all of the financial 

problems that were going on behind the scenes, and although 

it was a few months before it came into the public domain 

there were alarm bells ringing when things started to happen 

like Wattbikes being repossessed from the club gym, and 

academy players being kicked out of their club house. 

“We pretty much knew what was coming but it was still 

tough when it eventually did, because there were so many 

great people in and around the club. The staff, families and 

supporters were honestly incredible, and everyone pulled 

together. 

“Lorna and I had had our baby in the August and the club 

went bust in the first week of October, with the last game 

being against Newcastle. We had a big win that day and I 

think we would have beaten any team in the country, because 

we basically knew it was our last ever game as Worcester 

Warriors. Even when the Falcons scored in the first few 

minutes we got back into a huddle on halfway and were 

like ‘we are NOT losing this game’, and we came back with a 

massive final performance. 

“The team social that night was epic with all the staff 

and supporters getting involved, and as much as it was a 

desperately sad situation it was at least good to finish on a 

positive. 

“I was in limbo, not 

knowing what was 

going on.” 

“From there I was just in limbo, and I had a few months of not 

knowing what was going on – always on the phone, on twitter, 

trying to find out what was happening. I ended up touring with 

the Barbarians which was a great experience, and I went on a 

trial in January with Montauban out in France. I was out there 

when Edinburgh called me, and they had a game out in Castres 

so I just met them there and flew back with them afterwards. 

“I finished the season with Edinburgh, and it was great to have 

that degree of stability and be closer to home after what we’d 

been through, and my partner was still on maternity leave with 

our daughter, Marnie.” 

Delighted to get picked up by the Falcons, the affable 

scrummager insists he is loving life on Tyneside. 

“I was absolutely buzzing when I knew there was interest from 

Newcastle, because the club were always way up on my list 

in terms of places I wanted to play. I knew it was a great club 

with loads of links to Scottish players, it was close to home for 

our wider family and also my partner had been to university 

in Newcastle. I already knew a couple of boys who were at 

the Falcons, and as soon as it became a possibility I was really 

excited.” 

Keen to form part of a bumper atmosphere this afternoon 

which includes input from the renowned ‘Wor Flags’ group, he 

adds: “I love busy crowds and high-pressure environments, 

so everything going on with the flags and the push to get 

supporters here is really welcome. 

“We love seeing 

fans getting 

involved.” 

“The squad have bought into it in terms of helping with the 

promotion because we all know what a huge difference it can 

make, and we love seeing fans getting involved. I’d like to thank 

every supporter who is coming along to the Exeter game and 

has faith in the lads, and hopefully the boys can put on a show 

to reward everyone for the commitment they’re showing us.” 


14 

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COMMUNITY 

MOMENT OF THE 

MONTH 

TYNEMET 

HONOURS 

We want to say a huge well done to our Tynemet Girls captain 

Brooke Henderson and vice-captain Libby Anderson who were 

both selected to start for North East & Cumbria Centre of 

Excellence in their win over Sale Sharks Centre of Excellence. 

The remarkable accomplishments of Brooke and Libby have 

earned them well-deserved recognition, filling us with immense 

pride for their outstanding achievements thus far. 

With their exceptional abilities, there is no doubt that Brooke 

and Libby will continue to thrive throughout the season, 

bringing even greater success to the team both with NEC 

Centre of Excellence and at Tynemet. 

We’re also excited to invite you to the second Tynemet open 

event taking place at Kingston Park. 

This is 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 December 12 from 

6.30pm to 8.30pm at the iconic home ground of the Newcastle 

Falcons. 

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

our Tap and Tackle bar on Tuesday December 12 at 6.30pm. 

If you would like to find out more information about the 

programme or open event, please email niall.johal@newcastlefalcons.co.uk. 

CHRISTMAS 

COACHING CAMPS 

Places are now available for our Christmas coaching camps, 

which will be held at Kingston Park Stadium over the school 

holiday period. 

Day one and two of the camp will run from 11am to 2pm and 

includes a range of rugby skills, games and activities, which we 

see as the perfect way to create a balance between learning, 

improving and enjoyment. 

BLYTH + ASHINGTON = BLYTON 

Camps are open to boys and girls aged 6 to 14. Participants 

will receive three hours of coaching from DBS-cleared, RFUqualified 

Falcons Community coaches. 

COMMUNITY NEWS 

Our moment of the month for November is awarded to Blyth RFC 

and Ashington RFC, who have combined to create Blyton RFC. 

At the beginning of the season, both Blyth and Ashington were 

struggling to form teams at youth level from U13s to U16s, so 

together they made the decision to amalgamate both sides, 

forming Blyton RFC. 

The coaches are from both clubs, looking after different age 

groups, where they have regular fixtures which are also shared 

between the two clubs. 

The newly formed club of Blyton now have 80-plus young 

players attending weekly training sessions and matches. This 

has allowed the continual growth of grassroots rugby. Without 

this combined effort the two teams would have missed out on 

the first stages of their rugby journey. 

Both Ashington and Blyth RFC are active members of our Club 

Connections programme, powered by Fusion for Business (FFB). 

FFB helps support sports clubs on their journey to achieve net 

zero through a range of programmes. Their solutions comprise 

of a series of debt-free, risk-free, cost, carbon and energy-saving 

measures. 

For more information about Fusion for Business, please email 

maisie.cole@fusionforbusiness.co.uk. 

For more information about our Club Connections programme, 

please email falconscommunity@newcastle-falcons.co.uk. 

The third day of camp will run from 4pm to 6pm it will include a 

range of rugby skills, games and activities as well as a gift and 

a match ticket for the Newcastle Falcons v Harlequins fixture. 

Available camps are: 

Jan 3: £17, 11am-2pm. 

Jan 4: £17, 11am-2pm. 

Jan 5: £35, 4pm-6pm. 

To claim your free ticket, you must be accompanied by a fullpaying 

adult. 

To book your place visit www.rugbycamps.co.uk/falcons, or for 

more information email 

gavin.beasley@newcastle-falcons.co.uk. 

COMMUNITY NEWS 

18 

19

21

CLUB NEWS 

AWARD JOY FOR 

CODLING 

Newcastle Falcons head coach Alex Codling had cause for 

celebration on Monday at France’s annual ‘Nuit du Rugby’. 

The prestigious awards ceremony in Paris saw Codling and his 

former colleagues from Oyonnax winning ‘Staff of the Season’. 

The Londoner was part of the management group which 

steered Oyonnax to the ProD2 title in 2022-23, earning promotion 

to the Top 14 in the process. 

SUPPORTERS’ 

CLUB TRIP TO 

LEICESTER 

Newcastle Falcons’ Supporters’ Club are running return coach 

travel to the Gallagher Premiership game at Leicester Tigers on 

Sunday December 3. 

The match at Mattioli Woods Welford Road is a 3pm kick-off. 

Return coach travel for adults is priced at £30 for Supporters’ 

Club members and £35 for non-members, while for juniors it is 

£15 for members and £17.50 for non-members. 

Please note, these prices do not include match tickets, with 

departure times as follows: 

To book, email keithevans2105@gmail.com or call Keith on 

07812 975 220. Payment can be made direct to account 

number 13503976 and sort code 20-59-61. 

Newcastle Falcons are grateful to our independent Supporters’ 

Club for their continued backing, and look forward to seeing 

you in Leicester! 

Congratulations, Codders, from 

everybody at the club! 

9.30am: Kingston Park 

9.50am: Washington Services 

10.30am: Scotch Corner 

5.45pm: Return journey departs 

CLUB NEWS 

To book, email keithevans2105@gmail.com or call Keith on 

07812 975 220. Payment can be made direct to account 

number 13503976 and sort code 20-59-61. 

Newcastle Falcons are grateful to our independent Supporters’ 

Club for their continued backing, and look forward to seeing 

you in Leicester! 

] 

PARKING UPDATE 

Car parking is currently on sale for all our confirmed home 

fixtures up until our EPCR Challenge Cup fixture against 

Benetton on Friday January 12. 

Car parking can be purchased for £10 from the ticketing 

section of the club website, from the ticket office in person or 

via our ticket hotline. Spaces are limited and we strongly advise 

booking in advance to avoid any disappointment. 

The likelihood of car parking selling out prior to match day is 

very high and will be communicated across our website and 

social media. 

There are plenty of alternative travel options available to 

supporters, details of which can be found on the ‘getting to the 

stadium’ section of our club website. 

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 

22 

23

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 

AVAILABLE TO 

SPONSOR 

1. 1. 1. 1. 

1. 

1. 

1. 

1. 

SQUAD 2023-24 - FIRST TEAM PLAYERS 

JOSH 

BAINBRIDGE 

SPONSORED BY 

JOSH 

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 

SPONSOR 

TIM 

CARDALL 

SPONSORED BY 

SPONSORED BY 

CALLUM 

CHICK 

SPONSORED BY 

Geoff & Marie 

Penrice 

BRETT 

CONNON 

SPONSORED BY 


26 27

1. 

1. 1. 

1. 

1. 

1. 

1. 

1. 

SAM 

CROSS 

BACK ROW 

BORN: 28/8/92 


WEIGHT: 100KG(15ST 10) 

HONOURS: WALES 

SEBASTIAN 

DE CHAVES 

JAMES 

ELLIOTT 

JOHN 

HAWKINS 

LOCK 

SCRUM-HALF 

LOCK 

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 

MCCALLUM 

PROP 

BORN: 16/03/96 




AVAILABLE TO 

SPONSOR 

SPONSORED BY 

Jacksons Law 

Firm 

AVAILABLE TO 

SPONSOR 

AVAILABLE TO 

SPONSOR 

AVAILABLE TO 

SPONSOR 

SPONSORED BY 

AVAILABLE TO 

SPONSOR 

SPONSORED BY 

The Business 

Agility Coach 

1. 

1. 1. 1. 1. 

1. 

1. 

1. 


OLLIE 

LEATHERBARROW 

BACK ROW 

BORN: 08/04/02 



HONOURS: SCOTLAND U20 

SPONSORED BY 

RORY 

JENNINGS 

SPONSORED BY 

JONH 

KELLY 

SPONSORED BY 

ZACH 

KERR 

SPONSORED BY 

KIRAN 

MCDONALD 

MATIAS 

MORONI 

SPONSORED BY 

ELLIOTT 

OBATOYINBO 

SPONSORED BY 

MATIAS 

ORLANDO 

FLY-HALF/CENTRE 

LOCK/BACK ROW 

CENTRE/WING 

LOCK 

CENTRE 

FULL-BACK 

CENTRE 

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

BORN: 10/07/91 

BORN: 09/10/98 

BORN: 14/11/91 












HONOURS: ENGLAND U20S 




AVAILABLE TO 

SPONSOR 

SPONSORED BY 


28 29

1. 

1. 1. 

1. 

1. 

1. 

1. 

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 

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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 

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ADAM 

RADWAN 

WING 

BORN: 30/12/97 




SPONSORED BY 

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Blackbirds 

PEDRO 

RUBIOLO 

BACK ROW/LOCK 

BORN: 21/12/02 




SPONSORED BY 

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STEPHENS 

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PHILIP 

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LOCK 

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MICHAEL 

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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 

TOM 

WILLIAMS 

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 

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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 

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LOUIE 

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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 

CLARK 

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) 



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MARK 

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PROP 

BORN: 16/09/02 




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JACOB 

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SPONSORED BY 

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

BORN: 10/1/05 


HEIGHT: 1.77M (5FT 10) 







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SPONSORED BY 

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MIKE 

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PROP 

BORN: 17/05/04 




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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 

MARK 

LAYCOCK 

COACH 

NEWCASTLE FALCONS 2023 -24 

PJ 

BUTLER 

ACADEMY COACH 

JACK 

HAYES 

ACADEMY COACH 

BE PART OF THE TEAM 

TO SPONSOR A PLAYER, EMAIL 

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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 5 0 0 5 0 0 Freddie Lockwood 33 10 2 8 5 1 

Finn Baker 1 0 0 1 0 0 Charlie Maddison 28 5 1 1 0 0 

Josh Barton 12 10 2 3 0 0 Murray McCallum 8 0 0 8 0 0 

Eduardo Bello 2 0 0 2 0 0 Kiran McDonald 8 5 1 8 5 1 

Jamie Blamire 95 115 23 6 15 3 Matias Moroni 16 5 1 1 0 0 

Phil Brantingham 18 0 0 10 0 0 Elliott Obatoyinbo 25 15 3 7 0 0 

Adam Brocklebank 110 0 0 11 0 0 Jacob Oliver 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Louis Brown 3 15 3 3 15 3 Matias Orlando 43 20 4 8 5 1 

Bryan Byrne 5 10 2 5 10 2 Hugh O'Sullivan 8 0 0 8 0 0 

Tim Cardall 5 0 0 5 0 0 Richard Palframan 31 0 0 3 0 0 

Mateo Carreras 37 80 16 1 0 0 Tom Penny 92 50 10 6 0 0 

Callum Chick 133 100 20 8 5 1 Guy Pepper 16 20 4 9 5 1 

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

Brett Connon 96 467 2 8 47 0 Vereimi Qorowale 2 5 1 0 0 0 

Luke Coulston 1 0 0 0 0 0 Adam Radwan 102 260 52 8 15 3 

Sam Cross 7 0 0 7 0 0 Ben Redshaw 5 0 0 5 0 0 

Sebastien de Chaves 47 10 2 8 10 2 Mike Rewcastle 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Mark Dormer 4 0 0 1 0 0 Pedro Rubiolo 10 5 1 3 0 0 

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

James Elliott 1 0 0 1 0 0 Oliver Spencer 2 0 0 2 0 0 

Ollie Fletcher 12 15 3 4 10 2 Iwan Stephens 18 50 10 6 30 6 

Nathan Greenwood 1 5 1 0 0 0 Ben Stevenson 72 90 20 6 10 2 

John Hawkins 4 0 0 4 0 0 Sam Stuart 90 40 8 8 0 0 

Cameron Hutchison 5 0 0 5 0 0 Mark Tampin 82 0 0 8 0 0 

Rory Jennings 5 0 0 5 0 0 Corbin Thunder 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Louie Johnson 9 33 1 5 25 1 Josh Thomas 13 21 0 4 4 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 46 15 3 5 0 0 

Zach Kerr 16 15 3 5 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 

Kingsley Hyland’s regular 

historical feature returns, 

telling the story of games 

played 40, 35 and 20 years 

ago. 

LEFT 

Brian Patrick 

ALL OUR YESTERDAYS 

40 years ago – November 26, 1983 

Preston Grasshoppers 15-15 Gosforth 

Prior to the introduction of the RFU leagues later in the decade 

the County Championship remained the premier domestic 

rugby competition and an important stepping stone on the 

road to international selection. 

With the New Zealand All Blacks on tour and scheduled to play 

the North at Gateshead Stadium there was an added incentive 

for Northumberland players to shine. 

Club fixtures were still played throughout the County Championship 

season and this had a major impact on selection at 

Gosforth as the team travelled to Preston Grasshoppers, who 

were one of the top clubs in Lancashire at the time. 

Although the club’s fortunes had steadily declined since the 

second John Player Cup win in 1977 it is a sign of Gosforth’s 

great strength in depth that they could take what amounted to 

a second team to Preston and eke out a creditable draw. 

Prior to the introduction of the RFU leagues later in the decade 

the County Championship remained the premier domestic 

rugby competition and an important stepping stone on the 

road to international selection. 

Ordinarily, England triallist Brian Patrick would have been with 

the county team for their crucial group match against Devon 

at the County Ground, but he was coming back from injury and 

testing his recovery in a club match. 

Gosforth managed only one try through Andy Green, who 

by this was playing most of his rugby in the club’s Veterans 

team. Patrick’s left boot proved decisive with two penalties 

and a conversion whilst Newcastle Polytechnic student Paul 

Jamieson also kicked a penalty. 

The Gosforth team was as follows: 

B.Patrick; D.Weaver; H.Patrick; S.Archer; P.Jamieson; A.Green; 

T.Cleghorn; G.Humphreys; K.Lynch; E.Williams; H.Nicholson; 

M.Hutchinson; D.Davidson; M.O’Hara; R.Anderson (capt). 

As for the county match, this was a ‘winner takes all’ sort of 

game as the victor would avoid relegation at the expense of 

the loser. In the event it was far from a classic, played on a 

sodden pitch after heavy rain. 

Devon were the more enterprising side but could not win 

enough quick ball to give their backs a platform as Northumberland 

won 19-11 to retain their place in the top tier of the 

County Championship. 

The Northumberland team was as follows: 

S.Macrae (Northern); J.Pollock (Gosforth); R.Breakey (Gosforth); 

W.Telford (Alnwick); S.Gustard (Gosforth); D.Johnson 

(Gosforth); G.Sturgeon (Tynedale); C.White (Gosforth); 

T.Bell (Alnwick); J.Curry (Gosforth); S.Bainbridge; T.Roberts 

(Gosforth) (capt); S.Edwards (Gosforth); S.Byrne (Gosforth); 

G.Smallwood (Gosforth). 

In addition to the 11 Gosforth players in the starting XV, hooker 

John Chappell was playing for Durham and Derek Briggs and 

Mark Richardson for Cumbria, who would also doubtless have 

included Neil McDowell but for injury. 

35 YEARS AGO – NOVEMBER 26, 

1988 

GOSFORTH 16-14 LONDON SCOTTISH 

When the RFU leagues were finally introduced after years of 

soul searching, clubs were told which opponents they had to 

play to fulfil their league obligations, but not when they had to 

play them. This required club fixture secretaries to ‘negotiate’ 

the fixtures in a way that enabled the clubs to retain their 

most attractive ‘friendly’ games. 

By some strange quirk Gosforth found themselves having to 

play the three ‘Exiles’ sides – London Welsh, London Irish and 

London Scottish – on successive Saturdays in November. 

The team had started the league season poorly. They had lost 

at home to Bedford (16-17) and at Blackheath (10-34) and 

Coventry (12-19), and had secured just won win – 16-4 at home 

to Richmond – prior to the three Exiles fixtures. 

Gosforth were able to dominate London Welsh for the first 

hour of the game at the Great North Road before allowing 

Welsh to run in four tries. The home team were grimly hanging 

on to a 34-26 lead when the final whistle sounded. 

The following week they came a cropper 7-35 at London Irish 

so that the home fixture with London Scottish became pivotal 

if a relegation battle from Division Two was to be avoided. 

Although fly-half Peter Clark gave the home side a 3-0 lead 

with a third-minute penalty, Scottish dominated the first three 

quarters of the match as Gosforth dropped off tackles and 

made numerous handling errors. 

Scottish responded to Clark’s penalty with two tries. First, 

full-back Grant Corbett crossed following a free-flowing move, 

and then hooker Rob Howe went over following a move that 

originated with wing Lindsay Renwick’s break from his own 22, 

which exposed the home side’s defensive frailties. 

Fortunately for Gosforth goal-kicking was to prove the visitors’ 

Achilles heel, and both conversions were missed. Nick Grecian 

did succeed with a penalty and Clark added a second penalty, 


46 

47

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but Scottish led 11-6 at the break. 

Scottish extended the lead on 42 minutes with a smart Grecian 

drop goal from 35 metres, and as Clark missed with two 

penalty attempts another league defeat appeared to be on the 

cards. 

Gradually, however, Gosforth, whose scrum had had the edge 

all match, gained the ascendency as they made use of an 

effective ruck and maul to put the visitors under pressure. 

Scrum-half Davy Walker touched down a pushover five-metre 

scrum, and Clark’s conversion narrowed the deficit to two 

points at 12-14. 

Gosforth continued to hammer away at the Scottish line but 

still trailed as injury time approached. They then lost control 

of an attacking scrum but Walker did a brilliant job of tidying 

up the mess before sweeping round the blindside to draw his 

team level. Clark held his nerve to convert from wide out on the 

right, and the home team led for the first time since the third 

minute. 

There was still time for Scottish to win a penalty within kicking 

range but their kicking woes continued, and Gosforth claimed 

the vital two league points. 

The Gosforth team was follows: 

D.Briggs; D.Ogilvie; T.Henderson; D.Clegg; T.Elliott; P.Clark; 

D.Walker; R.Moffitt; G.Cooper; J.Curry; S.Bainbridge; 

K.Westgarth; G.Smallwood (capt); N.Frankland; P.Johns. 

Two names stand out. Although Steve Gustard won two John 

Player Cups with Gosforth and captained Northumberland to 

the 1981 County Championship, the Gustard name is now more 

often linked to his son Paul, who has made a name for himself 

as a coach. 

Paul never played for the club as a senior, and was playing for 

Blaydon when the game turned professional in 1995. The story 

goes that Rob Andrew and Dean Ryan went to watch him play 

for Blaydon with a view to signing him, but came away with 

Steve O’Neill instead. Whilst Steve had a successful period with 

the Falcons Paul went on to play for Leicester, London Irish and 

Saracens. 

Below 

Gosforth’s 1988-89 squad 

Back row: S.Gustard (head coach); S.Byrne; 

J.Curry; B.Chick; C.Hall; D.Morley; T.Elliott 

Middle row: M.Stokoe (chair of selectors); 

M.Fraser; G.Cooper; T.Roberts; P.Johns; R.Parker; 

T.Henderson; F.Short; C.White; K.Hyland (team 

manager); A.McConnell (assistant coach) 

Front row: P.Clark; R.Wilkinson; J.Gray (president); 

G.Smallwood (club captain); D.Briggs; 

D.Clegg; J.Whisker. 


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Paddy Johns was from Ballymena in Northern Ireland and 

was in his second year as a dentistry student at Newcastle 

University, having failed to gain entry to Trinity College, Dublin. 

Vyvyan scored the game’s first try on 15 minutes following a 

break from Jim Naylor and good work from young scrum-half 

Allen Chilten. 

Such was his progress on the rugby field that Trinity College 

had second thoughts and let him complete his degree in 

Dublin, and so he only played one season at Gosforth. Following 

his return to Ireland he won 59 caps in the second row and 

signed for Saracens went the game turned professional. 

Andrew converted from in front and the Falcons had a lead 

(10-6) which they would never surrender. Jarvis kicked a third 

penalty but the Falcons responded when Richard Arnold was 

driven over by his pack after 25 minutes. Andrew could not 

convert but the Falcons led 22-9 at the break. 

25 YEARS AGO – NOVEMBER 22, 

1998 

NEWCASTLE FALCONS 36-16 

CARDIFF 

With barely a minute of the second half gone replacement 

scrum-half Hall Charlton released centre Graham Childs to 

score between the posts, and with Andrew’s conversion it was 

29-9. 


The biggest disappointment for the Falcons’ Premiership side 

in 1998 was the fact that their stellar team was not able to 

test itself against the best in Europe following the English 

clubs’ boycott of that year’s Heineken Cup. This undoubtedly 

hastened the break-up of that side. 

To fill some of the resulting holes in the fixture list the 

Premiership clubs arranged home-and-away fixtures against 

Welsh sides Swansea and Cardiff. 

Cardiff’s visit to Kingston Park enabled director of rugby 

Rob Andrew to give some of his younger players a run-out 

alongside some seasoned veterans. Cardiff, who had lost 

just one of their previous ten matches against Premiership 

opposition, included future Falcon Liam Botham at full-back. 

Cardiff led early on with two Paul Jarvis penalties in the 

opening five minutes before the Falcons realised that they 

were at least the equal of their famous opponents. Andrew 

narrowed the gap with a ninth-minute penalty before Hugh 

Any chance of an unlikely Cardiff fightback was snuffed out 

ten minutes later when Arnold crossed for his second try, 

Andrew again converting. 

On 59 minutes Naylor could again take credit for the assist 

as Jim Cartmell scored his first try for the club. Andrew’s 

conversion saw the end of the home side’s scoring as they 

gave game time to Ed Thorpe, Jamie Noon and Neil Frankland. 

The match was in its dying moments when Craig Morgan 

scored a consolation try for the visitors, converted by Jarvis, 

for a final score of 36-16. 

The Falcons team that day was as follows: 

P.Massey; J.Naylor (rep. E.Thorpe 62); M.Shaw (rep. J.Noon 62); 

G.Childs; M.Wood; R.Andrew (capt); A.Chilten (rep. H.Charlton 

38); I.Peel (rep. S.Best 41); R.Horton; M.Hurter; R.Beattie; 

H.Vyvyan; S.O’Neill; J.Cartmell; R.Arnold (rep. N.Frankland 69). 

RIGHT 

JIM NAYLOR 


50 

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 Sat Jan 27 Northampton Saints 2pm 

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 (L 14-16) 

NOVEMBER 

GP Sat Nov 4 Harlequins (L 40-12) 

GP SUN NOV 12 SARACENS (L 50-12) 

GP Fri Nov 17 Sale Sharks (L 40-22) 

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 MONTPELLIER 

SUN DEC 10th 

ECC 

Kick-off: 3:15 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 

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BY MARK SMITH - NEWCASTLE FALCONS MEDIA MANAGER 

It is tremendous for Newcastle Falcons to welcome Wor Flags to 

Kingston Park this afternoon to add a dash of colour and vibrancy to 

the match-day visuals. 

The fan-run group are synonymous with the St James’ Park 

spectaculars which have lit up football’s Champions League and 

Premier League, and although today’s display is on a smaller scale it 

will be no less meaningful. 

It’s just one of many ways in which the club are looking to try new 

things with the aim of improving the match-day experience, and as 

always we are keen to hear from supporters. 

The backing from the Falcons’ playing squad around sharing Wor 

Flags on their social media during the build-up has been encouraging, 

although I realise I’d taken for granted that everybody automatically 

understood the branding. 

Our head coach Alex Codling asked me the other day “What does ‘Wor 

Flags’ actually mean?” 

He was well aware of the organisation and what they do – he just 

didn’t know that ‘wor’ means ‘our’ in the Geordie dialect. 

“Our flags - I like it, that makes perfect sense,” said the Londoner, who 

has been taken by the region’s sporting passion since arriving in the 

summer. 

The fact that two of Wor Flags’ members are on the Kingston Park 

staff - Dan Lycett and Jordan Robinson - is at the heart of how today’s 

initiative has come about, although links between the city’s football 

club and rugby are nothing new. 

Rugby internationals at both league and union have been played at St 

James’ Park over the years, and last week brought a reminder of the 

connection when the news was announced regarding the death of 

David Campbell. 

The former Gosforth captain became chairman of rugby and was at 

the heart of the deal which saw Newcastle United buying Gosforth’s 

rugby operation as part of their burgeoning Sporting Club in the 

mid-1990s. 

Those successful negotiations with Sir John Hall were central to 

placing the newly-named Falcons at the heart of rugby union’s 

professional revolution, and it is no exaggeration to say that without 

them the club might not be here today in anywhere near its current 

form. 

The same is also true regarding the significant investment of Dave 

Thompson and Semore Kurdi once the football club decided to go in a 

different direction, and while other clubs have floundered the Falcons 

are here to fight another day. 

The waving of a few thousand flags alone is not going to solve all of 

the sport’s problems, but the fact there is an enthusiasm to engage 

and improve can only be a good thing. 

Having the Wor Flags name associated with Newcastle Falcons will 

draw new eyeballs towards rugby, which is ultimately what we are all 

trying to achieve. 

FROM THE PRESS BOX - WITH MARK SMITH 

55

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LEFT 

CENTRE 

HENRY SLADE 

BELOW 

LOCK 

RUS TUIMA 

IN OPPOSITION 

EXETER CHIEFS 

NICKNAME 

Chiefs 

FOUNDED 

1871 

HOME GROUND 

Sandy Park 

DIRECTOR OF RUGBY 

ROB BAXTER 

CAPTAIN 

Jack Yeandle 

Exeter Chiefs arrive at Kingston Park determined to avenge 

the 25-21 defeat they suffered here last season. 

Sitting third in the table after winning all four of their home 

games, the Chiefs set out today in search of their first 

Premiership away victory in over a year after ten successive 

losses on the road. 

The Devon side have had a major and well-publicised makeover 

to their squad for the current campaign, putting their faith 

largely in youth after a summer which saw a host of their 

established stars moving on. 

Among those heading for the exit were the Simmonds brothers, 

Sam and Joe, who departed for France, with the Top 14 also 

enticing Jack Nowell and Harry Williams. 

Scotland full-back Stuart Hogg rand veteran centre Ian Whitten 

both retired, back-row totem Dave Ewers headed to Ulster, 

Jannes Kirsten returned to The Bulls, Solomone Kate joined 

Leicester Tigers and England hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie 

headed north to Sale Sharks. 

An emphasis on building from the ground up was at the heart 

of the recruitment strategy with Wales centre Joe Hawkins 

one of a small number of arrivals which also included former 

Falcons fly-half Will Haydon-Wood, via Wasp and Massy. 

Osprey Ethan Roots added back-row ballast having arrived 

from Ospreys, and despite their off-season exodus there has 

been plenty of promise shown during the opening months of 

their campaign. 

BELOW 

FLY-HALF 

HARVEY SKINNER 

The Premiership Rugby Cup holders made it through to the 

semi-finals of this season’s competition after winning four of 

their five pool games, beginning with a 75-0 home thumping of 

Bristol Bears. 

Round two brought a 38-13 victory away to South-West rivals 

Cornish Pirates, with a late-September trip to Jersey seeing the 

Chiefs as 43-22 winners. 

That game was to prove the final match for Jersey Reds as 

their financial issues came to the fore in the ensuing days, but 

Exeter’s cup form continued in the capital with a 47-10 triumph 

at London Scottish. 

A 34-14 loss at Bath in the last group game could not prevent 

them from topping the pool, and the league campaign got 

off to a flyer when their 65-10 home thumping of Saracens 

provided the shock of the season so far. 

Away form in the Premiership has proved more elusive as they 

were beaten 22-14 at Harlequins, but their Sandy Park form 

continued when Sale Sharks were demolished 49-0 in late 

October. 

Bristol were beaten 29-20 in Devon before a round-four trip to 

Northampton saw the Saints go marching in with a 34-19 East 

Midland triumph. 

Last weekend’s home game against Gloucester saw a lastminute 

penalty from Henry Slade sealing a dramatic 25-24 

triumph, setting things up nicely for this afternoon’s Kingston 

Park cracker. 

IN OPPOSITION - EXETER CHIEFS 

61

SCOTT SIO JACK YEANDLE JOE HAWKINS 

PROP HOOKER CENTRE 

THREE TO 

WATCH 

DIRECTOR OF RUGBY 

ROB BAXTER 

The Tavistock-born 52-year-old is an Exeter rugby man through and 

through, having started with the club’s Colts and played more than 

300 senior games for the club. 

Taking over as head coach in 2009 and earning promotion into the 

Premiership the following year, Baxter stepped up to director of rugby 

and led the Chiefs to domestic and European glory. 

Moving away from day-to-day coaching but still playing an instrumental 

role in the club’s rugby department, Baxter remains synonymous 

with all things Exeter. 

The veteran Australian prop is in his second season with 

the Chiefs, bringing with him 69 international caps worth of 

experience for the Wallabies. 

Now aged 32 but showing no signs of slowing down, Sio spent 

12 seasons with the Brumbies in Canberra before heading 

north. 

A solid scrummager who is equally destructive in the loose, 

Sio played more than 120 games of Super Rugby before 

moving north to Devon. 

The 33-year-old hooker is one of Exeter’s longest-serving 

players, with well over 200 appearances for the Devon outfit. 

Making his professional breakthrough with Doncaster Knights, 

Yeandle joined the Chiefs in 2011 and made his debut the 

following year. 

A Premiership and European Cup winner during his time at 

Sandy Park, Yeandle has assumed leadership duties for a 

youthful squad and has popped up with more than 30 treis 

sduring his time as a Chief. 

The 21-year-old Wales centre joined Exeter this summer from 

Ospreys, for whom he made his professional debut at the age 

of 18. 

A rugby league player in his youth before focusing on the 

15-man code, Hawkins captained Wales at Under-20s level and 

also has the ability to slot in at fly-half. 

Hawkins made his full test debut for Wales in November 2022, 

starting against Australia. 

IN OPPOSITION - EXETER CHIEFS 

65

PARTNERS 

& Sponsors 

NEWCASTLE FALCONS 

2023-24 HOSPITALITY 

PACKAGES 

Discover 

SCAN TO FIND OUT MORE 

We have several great packages available including 

everything from a full five course meal or a cook to 

order pod to delicious street food there’s something 

for everyone to enjoy at our match days with pricing 

starting from £65 plus VAT per adult and £35 plus VAT per 

U18. Scan the QR or visit www.newcastlefalcons.co.uk/ 

tickets-and-hospitality/hospitality to find out more. 

All our hospitality bookings are handled by our commercial 

team. To book or request additional details please contact 

the team by emailing 

corporatesales@newcastle-falcons.co.uk 

or call them on 0191 214 2892. 

SEASONAL 

Hospitality 

KINETIC PROPERTIES | MACRON | MY NAME’5 DODDIE | 0800 REPAIR | OAKES ENERGY 

JACK & JONQUIL STEWART | KEVIN & MARGIE WILSON | WADE BROWN | BORDERSTONE QUARRIES 

LOCKERBIE FAMILY | THE KNOWLEDGE SPIRAL LTD | IVANHOE FORGE LTD | RAILVIEW | NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY 

GEOFF & MARIE PENRICE | STELRAD | COUNTRYSIDE CIVIL ENGINEERING | SINTONS | FERGUSONS TRANSPORT 

KAI WHITING | TONY FLYNN | DH1 WATER SERVICES | CATERPILLAR PETERLEE | MERCURY ORTHOPAEDICS 

LONGSCAR MARINE CONSULTANTS | IAIN VARAH

JOIN THE CAUSE 

ALBERT’S XV TO 

TAKE ON THE REST 

OF THE WORLD 

On Saturday December 23 Ashington Joint Welfare Rugby Club 

will host a charity rugby match played in aid of Dementia UK. 

It’s estimated that over one million people in the UK will have a 

diagnosis of dementia by 2025, and almost all of us will know 

someone living with the condition. Longstanding clubman, 

former player and club secretary Albert Armstrong was 

diagnosed with the condition earlier this year. 

To raise much-needed funds and increase awareness AJWRFC 

is asking for is asking for anyone who wants to participate in 

a pre-Christmas match hosted by Albert and his family for a 

contribution of £5 per head to go to Dementia UK. 

Vice president Ian Storey said: “Albert is well known in rugby 

clubs across the North East and we’d love to see as many 

people as possible with a connection to him get involved in this 

game. You can be any age and could join us for one minute or 

80.” 

President Paul Tanney added: “The day will be focused on 

raising awareness and fundraising for Dementia UK in a rugby 

environment as well as putting on a show for Albert and his 

family. The day promises to be a memorable one, so please do 

come along and support this worthwhile cause.” 

Dementia can affect anyone at any age but its more common 

symptoms, such as memory loss, confusion, problems with 

speech and understanding are ones which unfortunately 

worsen over time. It’s most common in people over the age of 

65. 

The match will kick off at 1pm, and as an added attraction 

there will be live commentary from BBC Radio Newcastle’s 

Dean Gray and co-commentator for the day, VP Ian Storey. The 

game will be followed by fundraising, catering and no doubt a 

beer or two while reminiscing about games of yesteryear. 

For more information or details how you can get involved or to 

sponsor, please contact - 

ashingtonrfc@gmail.com 

TYNEDALE WOMEN 

IN SPORT 

Tynedale RFC Ladies would like to invite you and/or your team 

to their Tynedale Women in Sport Lunch on Saturday December 

2 at Tynedale Rugby Club. 

This will be an opportunity for like-minded women from all 

sporting backgrounds to socialise, network, enjoy some great 

food and drink and celebrate being women who love playing 

and being involved in sport. 

Ruth Scott, president of the Northumberland RFU, and Penny 

Stewart, RFU Council member, will both be attending the meal. 

Team tables are available and tickets are £20pp, which 

includes a two-course meal and entry into the men’s first team 

game that afternoon in National League 2 North against league 

leaders, Leeds Tykes. 

The clubhouse bar will be open all day and the event starts at 

12 noon. 

Book tickets by messaging the Tynedale Women in Sport 

Facebook page or email 

tynedaleladiesrfc@gmail.com . 

NORTHUMBERLAND RUGBY UNION 

69

arbour.com 

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 full-back Louis Brown, the 

Yorkshireman who joined in the summer from Coventry. 

Pre-match music? 

House/rock. 

Cheat meal? 

Pizza. 

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? 

Spend time with family/friends and play golf. 

Ideal holiday destination? 

Ibiza. 

Rugby hero? 

The Australian rugby league legend Billy Slater. 

GIMMIE FIVE! - PHIL BRANTINGHAM 

71

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. 

NORTH STAND 

ADULT £15 

U18 £7 

Q1 Exeter Chiefs head coach Ali Hepher 

played rugby for which North-East 

university? 

Q2 Which Newcastle Falcons player is 

pictured here? 

Q6 England wing Henry Arundell now 

plays for which French club? 

Q7 Which former Newcastle Falcons and 

Exeter Chiefs player is pictured here? 

SOUTH STAND 

ADULT £20 

U18 £7 

WEST SEATS 

ADULT £25 

U18 £12 

Q3 Which URC team plays its home 

games in Belfast? 

Q8 The State of Origin series is contested 

annually between which two rugby league 

teams? 

EAST SEATS 

ADULT £45 

U18 £25 

Q4 True or false, Newcastle Falcons 

flanker Sam Cross has won an Olympic 

silver medal? 

Q9 Which player scored the most points 

at this year’s Rugby World Cup? 

GROUP 

TICKETS 

ADULT £13 

U18 £6 

SCAN TO PURCHASE 

QUIZ 

Q5 ‘Acts Blond Wit’ is an anagram of 

which Newcastle Falcons coach’s name? 

Q10 Which team did Exeter Chiefs beat 

in last season’s Premiership Rugby Cup 

final? 

ANSWERS: 1 Northumbria, 2 Guy Pepper, 3 Ulster, 4 True, 5 Scott Baldwin, 6 Racing 92, 7 Will Chudley, 8 Queensland and 

New South Wales, 9 Owen Farrell, 10 London Irish. 

PREMIUM 

SEATING* 

ADULT £45 

U18 £25 

* HALFWAY LINE SEATING 

TICKETS: 

WWW.NEWCASTLEFALCONS.CO.UK 

0191 214 5588 OPT 1 

74

Photo from The Gallagher Premiership Rugby Final 2023 

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

Newcastle Falcons vs Exeter Chiefs Programme

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