Newcastle Falcons captained James Hudson gave the club's new home kit its first public outing this week, as he attended the Aviva Premiership Rugby launch at Twickenham.

Hudson (back row centre of picture) was joined by all 11 other captains from the Aviva Premiership Rugby clubs, as well as head coaches and directors of rugby.

Falcons head coach Alan Tait was in attendance as Hudson posed for the group shots of all 12 skippers, before previewing the season in a whole host of interviews with national media.

Speaking on the club's new Cotton Traders kit, the lock forward said: "It's the first time I've seen it, but I'm impressed.

"I think it should prove popular with the fans when it goes on sale, and with the start of the new season so close now you can sense the excitement building."

Newcastle hopes to confirm a date for the release of the new shirt in the coming days, and will update supporters as soon as the date is finalised.

James Hudson (right) promotes the season opener against Charlie Hodgson's Sale Sharks