Newcastle Falcons - Premiership 2024 - 2025 - The Diamond Era

First topic message reminder :

Director of Rugby (Non Rugby Matters): Matt Thompson
Head Coach & DOR (Rugby Matters): Steve Diamond
Performance Coach: Mark Laycock
Forwards Coach: Micky Ward
Defence Coach: Alan Dickens & Steve Diamond
Attack Coach: Alan Dickens
Lineout Coach: Scott Macleod
Breakdown: Micky Ward & Scott Macleod
Skills Coach: Mark Laycock
S&C: Tim Payne

Current Squad:

Hookers
Jamie Blamire (Leaving for tigers in summer)
Bryan Byrne
Ollie Fletcher (A)
Jacob Oliver (A)

Props
TH
Eduardo Bello
Murray MaCallum
Richard Palframan
Callum Hancock (A)

LH
Adam Brocklebank
Luin De Bruin
Mike Rewcastle (A)
Isaac Keller (A)
Connor Hancock (A)

Locks
Sebastian De Chaves
Kiran McDonald
Tim Cardall
Luke Coulston (A)
Adam Scott (A)
Fin Baker (A)

Back 5
Pedro Rubiolo
Philip van der Walt
John Kelly
John Hawkins

Back Row
Callum Chick
Josh Bainbridge
Tom Gordon
Freddie Lockwood
Ollie Leatherbarrow
Marcus Tiffin
Cameron Neild
[b]Reuben Parsons (A)
[b]Charlie Turnbull (A)

Scrum Halves
Sam Stuart
Hugh O'Sullivan
James Elliott
Max Pepper
Ben Douglas (A)
Joe Davis (A)

Fly Halves
Brett Connon
Kieran Wilkinson
Junior Newton (A)

Centres
Cameron Hutchison
Jack Metcalf
Sam Arnold
Connor Doherty (Season Loan from Sale)
Oli Spencer (A)
Rhys Beeckmans (A)

Wingers
Ben Stevenson
Alex Hearle
Adam Radwan
Nathan Greenwood (A)

Full Back
Tom Penny - To be confirmed staying or leaving
Louis Brown
Elliott Obatoyinbo
Ben Redshaw (A)

STARTING XV:
15 Anthony Watson
14 Chris Ashton
13 Matt Scott
12 Jimmy Gopperth
11 Harry Potter
10 Freddie Burns
9 Ben Youngs (vc)
1 James Cronin
2 Charlie Clare
3 Dan Cole (vc)
4 Harry Wells
5 Eli Snyman
6 George Martin
7 Hanro Liebenberg (c)
8 Sean Jansen

REPLACEMENTS: Tom Horton, Joe Taufete’e, James Whitcombe, Francois van Wyk, Will Hurd, Nephi Leatigaga, Finn Carnduff, Lewis Chessum, Cameron Henderson; Sam Edwards, Richard Wigglesworth, Bryce Hegarty, Phil Cokanasiga, Kini Murimurivalu, Nemani Nadolo, Hosea Saumaki, Jed Walsh

It is a strong side. Worrying absentees in the backrow and no sign yet of Kelly. Replacement backs have some impact. If the Jersey friendly is anything to go by then expect changes after about 30 mins, particularly the front row.

The Tigers are streaming the game Sam so I've registered to watch it.

GeordieFalcon wrote:The Tigers are streaming the game Sam so I've registered to watch it.

Sorry, yes meant to say it's being streamed for free on the Tigers website. It won't be anything fancy, probably a one camera job with Radio Leicester commentary but free sport on a Friday night isn't a bad thing.

Absolutely...

Pretty rusty from both sides so far. You're number 14 is an idiot, complete liability. Could have been two reds were it not a pre season game.

Ah just got in Sam last minute night out.

Lots of varying reviews...meh.

We got a run out, gather that was the main thing.

GeordieFalcon wrote:Ah just got in Sam last minute night out.  

Lots of varying reviews...meh.

We got a run out, gather that was the main thing.  

There were some good bits for Falcons. Ben Stevenson was excellent, when he moved across to cover fullback he was even better, really is a case of get him on the ball. Your new Welsh flyhalf lacked control but looks very quick and kicked very well off the tee. Madison the hooker was a stand out for you in the first half, McGuigan got picked off a bit at the lineout in the second half. Your two young 9s both showed up better than Mickey Young and there were some signs that you might actually have a bit of shape to your attack though pre season is hard to judge.

Yeah just checked the unoffy and generally the views are positive. Looks like they are genuinely trying to play faster and open it up and give the ball to our exciting backs. Stevenson is a good player, we missed him all last season.

The new Fijian lad had a mare but by all accounts is a good player so hopefully he'll learn.

I'm still very positive for the season ahead..

GeordieFalcon wrote:
The new Fijian lad had a mare but by all accounts is a good player so hopefully he'll learn.

Understatement. Played 21 minutes of which 10 were in the sin bin. The two instances he was involved were the two yellow cards and either could have easily been red had their been a TMO. It might be he goes to the Championship for a month or so to help his adjustment because he looked a complete liability.

Hard to read too much into pre season games but does look positive for Falcons so far.

Im going to watch the full game on Youtube through the week but fortunately 13 / wing is one position we have plenty of quality, so we can afford time to address the issues...

Was pleased to see our two Argentinians Moroni and Orlando beating the AB's as a centre combo.

I agree preseasons are about match fitness etc, not too read too much, but from the highlights ive seen so far...a few times we attacked...they actually did so at pace with purpose. That follows up what Carl Fearns said in an interview last week that they're training hard, and when its on and they go....they go like at full tilt. Thats what we've been crying out for, for years...especially when you have the pace in the backs that we have.

Newcastle Falcons team v Doncaster Knights (Friday, 7.45pm, Castle Park)
Tonights pre season game...

15 Iwan Stephens,
14 Adam Radwan,
13 Ben Stevenson,
12 Pete Lucock,
11 Nathan Earle,
10 Brett Connon,
9 Cameron Nordli-Kelemeti;

1 Phil Brantingham,
2 George McGuigan,
3 Trevor Davison,
4 Greg Peterson,
5 Matthew Dalton,
6 Will Welch (captain),
7 Marcus Tiffen,
8 Carl Fearns.

Replacements: 16 Charlie Maddison, 17 Logovi’i Mulipola, 18 Mark Tampin, 19 Josh Peters, 20 Jamie Blamire, 21 Josh Barton, 22 Tian Schoeman, 23 Ewan Greenlaw, [BLANK SHIRTS] Tom Marshall, Josh Thomas, Alex Tait.

Not available for selection: Adam Brocklebank, Mateo Carreras, Callum Chick, Jeremy Civil, Connor Collett, Matt Deehan, Ben Douglas, Gary Graham, Nathan Greenwood, Louie Johnson, Matias Moroni, Chidera Obonna, Matias Orlando, Tom Penny, Guy Pepper, Vereimi Qorowale, Sean Robinson, Charlie Smith, Sam Stuart, Philip van der Walt, George Wacokecoke, Michael Young.

Stevenson and Stephens both looked sharp against us last weekend, makes sense to retain them in what looks a pacey backline. Get Earl coming off his wing like he did Vs us and that could work nicely for you.

Any news on a ban for your Fijian winger?

No not heard anything yet about the ban.

Yeah Stevenson is great to have back fit. Quality young player. Stephens ive mentioned many times over the last few seasons. Ive always said i see him as a 15..and thats where hes began this season with Penny unavailable.

Looking forward to hearing how Brantingham goes at loosehead. Even England will be watching his development this season.

Strangely though the one i really want to produce his best is Lucock at 12. Hes the type of unflashy tough fulcrum who can really help our backline. Ive seen him put in some very impressive performances, and yet too inconsistently. If he can really find his top level consistently...he'll be a great platform to allow those around him show up more. We shall see how he goes Walders instructions rather than Deans.

Falcons and Saints teams for the CUp

Newcastle Falcons team v Northampton Saints (Saturday, 3.30pm, Kingston Park Stadium)

15 Alex Tait (captain),
14 Iwan Stephens,
13 Zach Kerr,
12 Ewan Greenlaw,
11 Nathan Earle,
10 Tian Schoeman,
9 Josh Barton;
1 Conrad Cade,
2 Jamie Blamire,
3 Mark Tampin,
4 Jamie Berrisford,
5 Sebastian de Chaves,
6 Freddie Lockwood,
7 Guy Pepper,
8 Tom Marshall.

Replacements: 16 Charlie Maddison, 17 Mark Dormer, 18 Richard Palframan, 19 Rory Ward, 20 Marcus Tiffen, 21 Cameron Nordli-Kelemeti, 22 Josh Thomas, 23 Vereimi Qorowale.

Not available for selection: Phil Brantingham, Mateo Carreras, Sam Clark, Connor Collett, Luke Coulston, Matthew Dalton, Trevor Davison, Carl Fearns, Gary Graham, Conor Kenny, Pete Lucock, George Merrick, Matias Moroni, Matias Orlando, Tom Penny, Josh Peters, Greg Peterson, Oliver Spencer, Philip van der Walt, George Wacokecoke, Will Welch.

Northampton Saints:
15 James Ramm,
14 Courtnall Skosan,
13 Ethan Grayson,
12 Tom Litchfield,
11 Tom Collins,
10 Joel Matavesi,
9 Callum Braley (captain);
1 Ethan Waller ,
2 Robbie Smith,
3 Ehren Painter,
4 Tom Lockett,
5 Brandon Nansen,
6 Kayde Sylvester,
7 Angus Scott-Young,
8 Geordie Irvine.

Replacements: 16 Callum Burns, 17 Danny Hobbs-Awoyemi, 18 Alfie Petch, 19 Emeka Atuanya, 20 Henry Pollock, 21 Archie McParland, 22 Toby Thame, 23 George Hendy.

Loving beating Exeter...and another cracker for Carreras....

Two rolling maul tries. Good to see that, I always think that the rolling maul is a basic skill and if you have a limited budget it has to be a go to move.

Falcons seem to have a bit more about them this season though consistency is an issue. Not for Carreras though, 6 tries in 6 Prem games is a pretty handy record.

It's not going to be overnight but I actually think Walder is making the changes. Certainly seeing elements of improvements. But as you say still inconsistent..

At least he's playing the kids now at 19/29/21 not holding them back till they're much older like Dean was guilty of doing too much

Couldn't make the game as It was my night shift with the new arrival...but apparently young Pepper should have been MOTM.  A genuine talent and out and out 7 .

So George is off....

Mr Blamire has to step up now and really make that position his...and bail the key skills of a hooker. He has competition as Ollie Fletcher is a unit and he has the core skills nailed .

Any rumours of what Falcons will do with the freed up McGuigan funds?

Probably just put it towards keeping us afloat.

I doubt it would have been too much tbh....I imagine it was more to do with getting McGuigan off the wage bill and convincing Blamire to sign up for 2 more years. Excited to see Blamire kick on, he has the raw attributes to be a top player.

formerly known as Sam wrote:Any rumours of what Falcons will do with the freed up McGuigan funds?

Not much to be honest Sam. As Sgt says probably go into the running of the squad / club.

Hooker is a luxury position for us....as Blamire steps straight in, and we cut the salary down quite a bit. We dont need to replace McGuigan per se as we have two young crackers coming through. In fact Ollie Fletcher could actually start this weekend v Cardiff in the Euro Cup. As ive said he a big strong unit...and the young Charlie Smith (18) is another big unit for his age...so i think we're good there.

We have a ton of kids coming through all over, and if we can pick up liitle out of the blue gems like Elliott Otabyimbo from Saracens then we're in a very good position.

I have said for a number of seasons the squad is quite strong and will get stronger with the academy prospects. What im more interested in, is how Walder will develp the style and tactics. i think we are seeing bits already...but as you have said on other threads...very inconsistant.

A work in progress at the moment.

Well JB carrying a slight knock and Maddison now banned for 3 European games means Ollie Fletcher should be starting. Wonder if Charlie Smith will be on the bench...surely not...bit too young and raw.

Wonder who else in the squad can cover hooker? Logo or someone

Mark Tampin (TH) signs up for another 2 years.

Newcastle Falcons team to face Cardiff (Sunday, 1pm, The Arms Park, live on Viaplay)

15 Elliott Obatoyinbo,
14 Adam Radwan,
13 Matias Orlando,
12 Pete Lucock,
11 Ben Stevenson,
10 Tian Schoeman,
9 Sam Stuart;

1 Adam Brocklebank,
2 Charlie Maddison,
3 Richard Palframan,
4 Greg Peterson,
5 Josh Peters,
6 Gary Graham (captain),
7 Tom Marshall,
8 Carl Fearns.

Replacements: 16 Alun Walker, 17 Logovi'i Mulipola, 18 Mark Tampin, 19 Matthew Dalton, 20 Pedro Rubiolo, 21 Michael Young, 22 Josh Thomas, 23 Iwan Stephens.

Not available for selection: Sam Clark, Connor Collett, Brett Connon, Matt Deehan, Freddie Lockwood, Matias Moroni, Cameron Nordli-Kelemeti, Guy Pepper, Sean Robinson, Oliver Spencer, George Wacokecoke, Will Welch.

Cardiff Rugby:
15 Josh Adams,
14 Owen Lane,
13 Mason Grady,
12 Ben Thomas,
11 Jason Harries,
10 Rhys Priestland,
9 Lloyd Williams;

1 Corey Domachowski,
2 Kirby Myhill,
3 Kieron Assiratti,
4 Seb Davies,
5 Teddy Williams,
6 Josh Turnbull (captain),
7 Ellis Jenkins,
8 Taulupe Faletau.

Replacements: 16 Efan Daniel, 17 Rhys Carre, 18 Will Davies-King, 19 James Ratti, 20 James Botham, 21 Ellis Bevan, 22 Jarrod Evans, 23 Harri Millard.

Referee: Vivien Praderie (France)

Team for Bristol:
1 Brocklebank
2 Blamire
3 Davison
4 Peterson
5 De Chaves
6 Graham
7 Chick
8 Fearns

9 Young
10 Connon
11 Carreras
12 Orlando
13 Moroni
14 Radwan
15 Penny

16 Fletcher
17 Mulipola
18 Palframan
19 Van der Walt
20 Lockwood
21 Stuart
22 Schoeman
23 Stevenson

Against a fairly stacked Bristol team.

Bristol Bears team to take on Newcastle Falcons at Ashton Gate on Friday night (7.45pm KO):

15. Noah Heward (3 apps), 14. Siva Naulago (19 apps), 13. Semi Radradra (46 apps), 12. James Williams (7 apps), 11. Gabriel Ibitoye (9 apps), 10. AJ MacGinty (16 apps), 9. Harry Randall (93 apps); 1. Jake Woolmore (125 apps), 2. Harry Thacker (92 apps), 3. Max Lahiff (59 apps), 4. Joe Batley (34 apps), 5. Chris Vui (109 apps), 6. Steven Luatua (c) (106 apps), 7. Fitz Harding (43 apps), 8. Magnus Bradbury (14 apps).

Rumours that if Bristol lose this...Lam is on his way..

Geordie wrote:Rumours that if Bristol lose this...Lam is on his way..

I can't see it being that knee jerk a decision. I wouldn't be surprised if he is replaced at the end of the season if there's an option within his contract (given how long it was a clause wouldn't be unusual). Highest paid HC in the league and Bristol have spent two years at the bottom.

Prop Murray MaCallum confirmed from Edinburgh to Newcastle on a two year deal from next season.

Falcons have signed Scottish Kiran McDonald for the next 2 years - a lock - 6'8 and 18+ stone.

Good player, one of a few who stood out in our shambles last season. I would not have complained if he had come back to Glasgow

Good signings by Newcastle of McCallum and McDonald

McCallum was messed around by the Scots clubs and has been a good player, hopefully he can settle on being a TH at Newcastle. Got the potential to be a regular in the Scotland squad behind Zander

In my head, McDonald is a better version of Peterson. Good at the lineout, big enough to scrum well and offers himself in the carry. He is not likely to threaten the Scotland squad without several injuries though he may pick up some summer caps next year. The key for him will be staying fit, not always a given

Newcastle moving back to becoming Scotland 3rd team again!

Well it does make me think Peterson is on his way. I rate Peterson highly...the only issue i have with him is his handling - he drops an awful lot of balls when looking to carry.

But if he is off and replaced with a "better version" then thats a good job.

As to McCallum theres loads of rumours about Trevor Davison heading off...so he might be the replacement.

As BigGee says...a few Scots coming in... i never complain about that.

Falcons have signed Tim Cardall former Wasps lock on a 2 year deal.

Thats 3 cracking signings so far!!

Geordie wrote:Prop Murray MaCallum confirmed from Edinburgh to Newcastle on a two year deal from next season.

I knew Murray briefly in Edinburgh when he was an U20s player and I'm delighted for him. He looked a huge talent at U20s then it never quite happened for him with the Scottish clubs. Many players such as that can drift away but he worked his socks off and I thought was developing into a really solid performer with Worcester. When they folded I was worried he was the player who might struggle for opportunities given the financial situation in the game. I'm really glad he's got a shot at Falcons.

Thats 3 very strong signings we've made KC...bodes well. Walder very much putting his stamp on the squad it would seem.

A prop who can play both sides and two experienced locks in what should be their peak years. No world beaters but should give you plenty of squad strength in the right five which has been a Falcons weakness previously.

From memory did Cardall play a bit at blindside as well?

I'm enjoying Falcons this season, can't have too many complaints tbh. We don't have the budget to compete with the big boys but we just wanted to play a decent brand of rugby and be in with a chance each game.

I think Walder has really been a big step up on Deano and as long as we just keep ticking away like this, it's all gravy.

formerly known as Sam wrote:A prop who can play both sides and two experienced locks in what should be their peak years. No world beaters but should give you plenty of squad strength in the right five which has been a Falcons weakness previously.

From memory did Cardall play a bit at blindside as well?

Little Steps Sam...but big steps away from Deano.

From what i can see McDonald is a step up version of Greg Peterson who most falcons fans would agree has been a very good signing and player for us. His biggest issue is catching the ball. He gets in some great positions to carry in dangerous positions...but drops the ball too often. McDonald seems a similar style...but can catch the ball. It should make a difference on the pitch

McCallum is probably replacing Logo, hopefully not Trevor.

Gary Graham leaving for Carcasson in France at the end of the season...after 6 years with us. Good luck Gary...Great servant hard as nails.

Good luck to him, he's been a great player for us. The pay off in France for when you retire must be very tempting.....

Probably helps Carcassonne is a UNESCO world heritage site. Beautiful bit of southern France. Big wine making region as well. Graham is only 30 so got a few years left but Carcassonne are having a crap season so might be willing to spend a bit to avoid a repeat next season.

Think its a good move for both Sgt...he can earn some money...and we have the likes of Pepper, Tiffen, Marshall, Lockwood ready to push on to the next level.

Falcons have signed former Wasps hooker (19 year old) Corbin Thunder with immediate effect.
A south African very abrasive in style apparently. Looks like Walder is upping the power in the pack.

With a name like that you'd expect an impact.

Ha ha defo!

I've heard he's great on the left wing as well...

formerly known as Sam wrote:I've heard he's great on the left wing as well...

Lightning quick apparently

Well the silence from KP is deafening!