RICHARDS HAPPY WITH REBUILDING PROCESS
And if Worcester Warriors fail to beat Saracens at Allianz Park, the Falcons are safe regardless of their result.
In the build-up to the game Dean Richards says there is an exciting rebuilding process taking place at Kingston Park. No fewer than six new signings have been announced in the last couple of months with the likes of Leicester Tigers hooker Rob Hawkins, Worcester No.8 Semesi Talauva, Bristol scrum-half Ruki Tipuna, Leeds lock Calum Green, Rotherham centre Juan Pablo Socino and London Scottish prop Eric Fry all pinning their colours to the Falcons.
“There is plenty of preparation already going in for next season, and they are good signings as well,” said Richards.
“We are delighted with the boys we are bringing in, and they will complement the guys who are already here.
“You tend to see players in the Championship who have been overlooked earlier in their careers for one reason or another, and some guys just come through a bit later.
“At Harlequins I signed Chris Hala’ufia, Nick Easter, Danny Care and a number who had been overlooked by other people, and I think there is a wealth of talent there.
“It is more difficult to find these days, but at the same time I do think there are quality players in the Championship who could quite easily adapt to Premiership rugby and even further in some cases.”
The last two fixtures between Wasps and Newcastle have been won by the away side, with the Falcons victorious on their last outing at Adams Park on the final day of the 2011-12 season.
Meanwhile, Wasps, who left Kingston Park with four points over the festive period, know a win against the Falcons will consolidate their 7th placed spot in the table and the chance of a play-off to grab a European berth for next term.