Newcastle Falcons have named their squads for tomorrow’s festival of rugby which sees two Falcons XV sides lock horns with Doncaster Knights and Leeds Carnegie either side of Consett Rugby’s clash with Illinois Tornados at Kingston Park.
In the first of a triple header, Will Welch will embark on a new chapter in his career as he leads his charges out as the new club captain against Doncaster (kick-off 1pm).
As with many pre-season affairs it is a chance for the new coaching set-up to experiment ahead of the Championship campaign which begins in earnest at Bristol on Sunday 2 September.
A string of new faces including Alex Crockett, Tane Tu’ipulotu, Oliver Tomaszczyk and Carlo del Fava have all been handed starts against the Knights, while Michael Tait makes a welcome return to the wing following a long-term knee injury.
In the final game of the afternoon against Leeds new recruits Andrew Higgins, Scott MacLeod and Chris York all feature from the start as the northeasterners aim to kick-off their pre-season programme in style.
Head coach Peter Russell said: “It is a good opportunity for the players to impress and show us what they can do against two tough sides.
“I am looking for the little things to be done well with a little bit of direction and leadership coming to the fore. We named the two squads relatively early last week to enable the lads to build the unity that you need as a team.
“There has been good competition for places amongst the boys and I know the lads cannot wait to hit the chalk on Saturday. I want us to do our jobs well, making sure that we keep our shape around the field.
Now two weeks into his tenure on Tyneside, Russell is looking forward to meeting the fans for the first time.
“Since my arrival a couple of weeks ago the North East people have been very welcoming and I have heard very good things about the Falcons fans.
“I am sure the coaches will be across after the games to have a beer and a chat with them,” added the New Zealander.
Tickets are still available for the festival of rugby by calling the Falcons Ticket Hotline on 0871 226 6060 or please click here.
Newcastle Falcons v Doncaster Knights (kick-off 1pm): 15 Alex Tait, 14 Rikki Sheriffe, 13 Alex Crockett, 12 Tane Tu’ipulotu, 11 Michael Tait, 10 Jimmy Gopperth, 9 Jordi Pasqualin, 1 Grant Shiells, 2 Matt Thompson, 3 Oliver Tomaszczyk, 4 James Hudson, 5 Carlo del Fava, 6 Richard Mayhew, 7 Will Welch (c), 8 Taiasina Tu’ifua
Reps: 16 Joe Graham, 17 Michael Mayhew, 18 James Ponton, 19 Joe Robinson, 20 George McGuigan, 21 Waisea Luveniyali, 22 Chris Harris, RES Greg Goosen, RES Ollie Richards, RES Jamie Sole, RES Jonny Burn, RES Jonny Neville
Newcastle Falcons v Leeds Carnegie (kick-off 5.30pm): 15 Luke Fielden, 14 Andrew Higgins, 13 Suka Hufanga, 12 James Fitzpatrick, 11 Ryan Shortland, 10 Joel Hodgson, 9 Chris Pilgrim, 1 Jonny Golding, 2 Rob Vickers, 3 James Hall, 4 Chris Wearmouth, 5 Scott MacLeod, 6 Mark Wilson, 7 Ally Hogg (c), 8 Chris York
Reps: 16 Joe Graham, 17 Michael Mayhew, 18 James Ponton, 19 Joe Robinson, 20 George McGuigan, 21 Waisea Luveniyali, 22 Chris Harris, RES Greg Goosen, RES Ollie Richards, RES Jamie Sole, RES Jonny Burn, RES Jonny Neville
