Since their 4th place finish in the 2017-18 season, Newcastle Falcons have been serial underachievers. Relegation for the 2019-20 season and successive bottom-placed finishes in the Premiership have characterised a club in desperate need of renewal. This season could be detrimental for the North East club, with promotion and relegation back on the cards, the Falcons will be desperate to avoid the drop. In step Steve Diamond. The boisterous Mancunian is no stranger to a relegation battle. He's coached Sale Sharks, Saracens, Worcester, Edinburgh, and even Russia in his long distinguished career, and is perhaps one of the most experienced coaches at turning around failing clubs. His appointment as Director of Rugby will bring a great sigh of relief for Newcastle fans, but will it be enough to avoid the drop this season?
Key Players:
Recently married winger Adam Radwan is poised to be the standout player for Newcastle yet again this season. Radwan’s explosive pace and finishing ability will be crucial in a side that needs to make the most of its scoring opportunities. His knack for finding the try line and creating breaks will provide a much-needed spark in Newcastle’s attack, making him a key figure in their survival strategy.
Jamie Blamire, Cameron Neild, and Pedro Rubiolo will form the core of Newcastle’s forward pack. Blamire’s prowess in the lineout and dynamic ball-carrying, Neild's breakdown work and work ethic, and Rubiolo’s hard-hitting defence will be essential in setting a solid platform for the Falcons. Any team coached by Steve Diamond will always prioritise set piece, defence and forwards-based grit. If they are to succeed in these crucial areas, look no further than these three.
Impact Signings:
One of the first signings that Diamond seems to make at any club is hard-edged flanker Cameron Neild. Not only did they work together at Sale Sharks, but Neild also followed Diamond to Worcester and Edinburgh, showing their strong relationship and mutual respect. Known for his exceptional breakdown work, work rate and defensive prowess, Neild epitomises what this Falcons team will be trying to achieve.
Set to play alongside him in the back row will be fellow new signing Thomas Gordon. Kiwi-born Gordon crosses the border fresh from a URC title with Glasgow Warriors. Similarly to Neild, the New Zealander has been described as 'hard-nosed' by his new boss and will be a consistently strong performer in this growing Falcons pack.
Potential Weakness:
In a long list of weaknesses, one that stands out is the lack of depth in the Falcons squad this season. Diamond has been quick to highlight how of the 18 players he has let go in the off-season, only 3 have found employment in the Premiership. With a squad of just 35 plus academy players, Newcastle are banking on getting few injuries combined with robust and versatile players. If the Falcons avoid relegation this season, huge credit must go to their Strength and Conditioning team for keeping their squad healthy.
One to Watch:
Ben Redshaw is a player to watch closely this season. The young back three player broke through into the first team last season and quickly became a firm favourite of Steve Diamond's. Coming off the back of a Junior World Cup victory, Redshaw will be looking to cement his place in the starting team and become a star name in this Falcons back line.
The RIL Take:
0 out of 18. That’s how many games Newcastle won in the Premiership last season. With relegation back this season, there is no better person to lead Newcastle than veteran, Steve Diamond. Strong set piece, defence, kick chase and work rate are non-negotiables in a Diamond-led side. If he can turn Kingston Park into a fortress, he could cause a few upsets. But they will be keeping a close eye on the likes of Ealing, Cornish Pirates and Doncaster for the end of season promotion/relegation playoff.
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