Brookes banking on excitement with return of European Rugby
Newcastle Falcons prop Kieran Brookes is expecting a full bodied encounter when the European Rugby Challenge Cup resumes this weekend, as Kingston Park hosts Parisian club Stade Francais on Friday evening (kick off 8pm)
The 24 year old tight head prop returns to the club following a month on England duty and has found a good atmosphere around the ground, based on recent performances and results, but insists that Friday’s team will have to be at the top of their game to make it three wins from three in Pool 3.
“Beating Bucharest was good and after beating Newport away the lads were ecstatic. Then seeing Newport beat Stade away, the boys are confident for our chances this weekend. We know if we play as well as we can we have the chance to come away with a win.”
“They will be physical, intense and play of the cuff, we will match that and its going to be another hard fought game. Stade only a win off the top of the pool so we expect them to come here with all guns blazing so they can look to set themselves up for a big game in the return fixture next week.”
Using the competition as an opportunity to give game time to a number of their young, English talent, a number of the club’s emerging players have already seized their opportunities to show their abilities and Brookes is hopeful of more of the same in this European segment.
“It can only be good for the club that all the young lads that have been given an opportunity in recent weeks have done really well. They have pushed the lads in front of them on and it is always good to have competition for shirts in every position.”
Following his recent exploits in cross border competition on the international stage in recent weeks, the Stoke born international is hopeful of featuring in the teams during rounds three and four of the European competition as it offers something different from the Aviva Premiership.
“I like the European tournaments; it gives you the chance to play against players that you don’t see every week. I also think the nature of it means the games are less structured and players can play with a bit more flair and expression and as I said before, I certainly think Friday is going to be a game with a lot of free running on show.”
Tickets for Friday’s match are still available and can be booked by clicking **[here][1]** calling 0871 2266060 or by visiting the Kingston Park box office during office hours.
[1]: https://www.eticketing.co.uk/newcastle-falcons/default.aspx
