Newcastle Falcons will kick off their inaugural European Rugby Challenge Cup campaign at home to Rugby Europe Representative 2 on Friday 17th October at Kingston Park with an 8pm kick off before travelling to Rodney Parade on Friday 24th October to face Newport Gwent Dragons.

The qualifying team will be the winner of a two legged play off fixture in September between Cammi Rugby Calvisano and Bucharest Wolves with the second and decisive fixture taking place on September 27th.

Both teams will be familiar to the Falcons after facing the North East club in last season’s Amlin Challenge Cup, which the new tournament replaces.

A French double header is in store in the run up to Christmas with the Falcons taking on Stade Francais, home and away on the weekends of December 4/5/6/7 and 11/12/13/14 although the order and date of these fixtures have yet to be confirmed.

These fixtures will be eagerly anticipated with Stade boasting players including Digby Ioane, Morne Steyn and Sergio Parisse and the match marking the first meeting between the two clubs since 2005.

The pool stages will then conclude in mid January with the corresponding fixtures against the Dragons at home over the weekend of 15/16/17/18 and away to Rugby European Representative 2 the following weekend.

Falcons Managing Director Mick Hogan said: “We still have a number of unknowns to our European fixtures but we are in a very exciting and competitive group. We are looking forward to finding out who we will welcome to Kingston Park on Friday 17th October.”

“The other two dates and kick off times will be confirmed by ECPR as soon as possible. Our preferred kick off time for the home games in round 3 and round 5 will be Sundays at 3.00pm. However we do have potential broadcaster selections to consider as well as the scheduling of other games and what preparation and recovery time they give the players between matches.”

“There is also the other consideration of local and regional events in the north east and how these may affect scheduling. As soon as we know confirmed dates and kick off times for all the remaining four matches we will let supporters know so that they can begin planning their attendance be it home or away.”

The three ERCC pool games form part of the Newcastle Falcons 2014/2015 season ticket package which also grants entry to 11 Aviva Premiership games and 2 LV= Cup pool matches.

Prices start from £200 for adult standing and £300 adult seating with Under 11 season tickets free when claimed alongside a full paying adult.

To secure your spot at all these fixtures and enjoy a range of other benefits including enhanced access to England Rugby tickets at Twickenham click [here][1] or call 0871 2266060

**EUROPEAN RUGBY CHALLENGE CUP – POOL 3 FIXTURES**

17th October 2014 – Rugby Europe Representative 2 – **HOME** – KO 20:00

24th October 2014 – Newport Gwent Dragons – AWAY – KO 19:30

4/5/6/7 December 2014 – Stade Francais – TBC – KO TBC

11/12/13/14 December 2014 – Stade Francais – TBC – KO TBC

15/16/17/18 January 2015 – Newport Gwent Dragons – **HOME** – KO TBC

22/23/24/25 January 2015 – Rugby Europe Representative 2 – AWAY – KO TBC

[1]: https://www.eticketing.co.uk/newcastle-falcons/default.aspx