Welch backs Falcons for Singha 7s push
Welch formed part of the Falcons squad which lifted the Premiership 7s title back in 2011, defeating Saracens 31-21 in a keenly-contested final at the Twickenham Stoop.
And while he will not be personally involved this time round, the flanker expects a strong Newcastle line-up to make life difficult for Sale Sharks, Leicester Tigers and Worcester Warriors.
The Falcons’ squad will be announced on Friday and is made up almost exclusively of full-time contracted players, Welch saying: “We have got a good squad this year and our supporters should enjoy watching the tournament on our home ground.
“As well as quick games with plenty of scoring there is also a lot going on around the stadium, and it is a real party atmosphere when you come to the sevens.”
Recalling his own exploits of five years ago when the Falcons won the trophy for the only time in their history, Welch said: “It was tiring – that’s for sure!
“Looking back, it was great to be involved with that squad. We didn’t have a lot of pace other than our top scorer Luke Fielden, but what we did have was an amazing work ethic and a willingness to do anything for one another.
“It probably wasn’t classic sevens in terms of our playing style that year, but it’s all about finding a way to get the job done. Hopefully the lads who are selected can go on and do something similar – albeit with a bit more pace and flair than we did!”
The Singha 7s starts at 3pm at Kingston Park Stadium on Saturday July 30, and will be shown live on BT Sport.
Adult and concession tickets are available for £20 premium seating and £10 standard seating, while under-16s tickets are priced just £5. The club is also running a ‘sevens heaven’ offer for £100 which includes seven standard tickets plus £70 worth of vouchers to be used on the day for food, drink, programmes and merchandise. To book call 0871 226 6060.
