Newcastle Falcons vs Bristol Bears Programme

MATCH-DAY PROGRAMME 

NEWCASTLE 

FALCONS VS 

BRISTOL BEARS 

FRI 22.12.23 

KO 19:45

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STARTING XV 1 

15 TOM PENNY 2345678 

14 ADAM RADWAN 

13 OLIVER SPENCER 

12 JORDAN HOLGATE 

11 MATEO CARRERAS 

10 LOUIE JOHNSON 

9 JAMES ELLIOTT 

REPLACEMENTS 

PHIL BRANTINGHAM 

JAMIE BLAMIRE 

EDUARDO BELLO 

JOHN HAWKINS 

SEBASTIAN DE CHAVES 

SAM CROSS 

GUY PEPPER 

CALLUM CHICK (C) 

16 BRYAN BYRNE 17 ADAM BROCKLEBANK 18 MURRAY MCCALLUM 19 KIRAN MCDONALD 20 

PEDRO RUBIOLO 21 HUGH O’SULLIVAN 22 RORY JENNINGS 23 GEORGE WACOKECOKE 

STARTING XV 

1 JAKE WOOLMORE 

15 MAX MALINS 

2345678 HARRY THACKER 

14 GABRIEL IBITOYE 

KYLE SINCKLER 

13 VIRIMI VAKATAWA JAMES DUN 

12 B JANSE VAN RENSBURG JOE BATLEY 

11 RICH LANE 

STEVEN LUATUA 

10 CALLUM SHEEDY 

FITZ HARDING (C) 

9 HARRY RANDALL 

MAGNUS BRADBURY 

REPLACEMENTS 

16 GABRIEL OGHRE 17 MAX LAHIFF 18 GEORGE KLOSKA 19 JOSH CAULFIELD 20 DAN THOMAS 

21 KIERAN MARMION 22 JAMES WILLIAMS 23 NOAH HEWARD 

AWAY 

REFEREE: ANTHONY WOODTHORPE 

ASSISTANT REFEREES: JONATHAN COOK, JOHN MEREDITH 

TELEVISION MATCH OFFICIAL: ROWAN KITT 

TIME KEEPER: ALAN HUGHES 

CITING OFFICER: CHRIS SHARP

ALEX 

CODLING 

WE HAVE WHAT IT 

TAKES TO GET A 

RESULT WHICH COULD 

REALLY IGNITE OUR 

SEASON. 

Good evening and thank you for your attendance tonight as we 

play our final home game of 2023. 

I would like to welcome Pat Lam and his Bristol Bears staff 

to Kingston Park, and the supporters of both clubs, for what 

promises to be a huge contest. 

Friday night rugby here is something special under the lights, 

and it’s a tremendously exciting prospect for us to test 

ourselves against this Bristol side. 

After a prolonged sequence of Gallagher Premiership matches 

both clubs have enjoyed a fortnight in European action with last 

weekend’s schedule taking us to Johannesburg, and Bristol to 

Bordeaux. 

Given the short turnaround into this evening’s game it is 

understandable that both clubs have rotated their squads. 

The reality at this level is that you can’t just roll out your same 

starting XV week in, week out – especially when overseas travel 

is involved. 

In our case that meant flying home from South Africa via 

Heathrow, and with the team’s scheduled flight back last 

Sunday being cancelled it meant our touring party did not get 

back to Tyneside until Tuesday afternoon after more than a full 

day of travelling, having been delayed by 24 hours and then 

diverted to Cape Town. 

It will undoubtedly have been a great experience with plenty of 

learnings for the guys who made the trip to Johannesburg, but 

our decision to keep an experienced core of players back 

in Newcastle has hopefully enabled us to prepare as well as we 

possibly can for this evening’s encounter. Bristol have followed 

a similar path despite not having quite the same level of travel. 

I know you all share my disappointment that we have not yet 

posted a victory in the league this season, but I cannot fault the 

work ethic and resilience of a group who have come very close 

on a number of occasions. 

Last week in Johannesburg I thought the guys showed great 

effort and commitment but basic errors will always cost you at 

this level, and the Lions were clinical in how they finished off 

the game. 

Following a good period of preparation and with the ability in our 

ranks I firmly believe we have what it takes to get a result this 

evening which could really ignite our season. 

As always your backing is absolutely massive, and I know I 

speak for the entire group in thanking you for the manner in 

which you have got behind the team. 

With this being our last outing before the festive season I would 

like to take this opportunity to wish all our fans, staff and 

players a merry Christmas. 

Thank you for your support and hard work during the season 

so far, and I hope you have a happy and prosperous new year. 

All the best. 

CODDERS 

ALEX CODLING - HEAD COACH’S NOTES 

5

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9

Kiran McDonald believes a first league win of the season is not far away for Newcastle 

Falcons, with the spirit in the squad remaining strong ahead of the visit of Bristol Bears. 

“I can’t fault the energy 

within the whole 

group, and it’s a great 

environment despite 

the results. 

The giant Glaswegian has made ten competitive appearances, 

scoring one try, since arriving in the summer, and says the 

bond with the Falcons faithful is a key ingredient going into this 

festive fixture. 

“Everyone knows the results in the league have been tough, but 

the lads are great and our supporters have also been fantastic 

with us,” says McDonald, the 6 foot 7 forward who started 

last weekend’s EPCR Challenge Cup game against the Lions in 

Johannesburg. 

“We had a split squad last week with something like 30 of the 

guys being in South Africa and the others remaining in England, 

but for the boys who did get to go out to Johannesburg I know 

they will have loved the experience. 

“I can’t fault the energy within the whole group, and it’s a great 

environment despite the results not quite coming yet. It’s also 

a great city – very similar to Glasgow I think in many ways - 

and I feel like the Geordie folk are more Scottish than they are 

English!” 

Addressing the obvious need to post a first league victory 

on the board for this season, he adds: “Like everyone, the 

players are disappointed and frustrated at having not won yet 

in the Premiership, but the energy and the spirit has not been 

damaged. 

“Everyone has kept their heads high and is working hard in 

training, and hopefully we can right some wrongs against Bristol 

before really pushing on for the rest of the season. 

“I think a big thing is that our supporters are sticking with us. 

Of course we share their disappointment around the results, 

but I think they’ve seen enough in a lot of the performances to 

understand that we’re not a million miles away. It makes a huge 

difference to have our fans behind us, and the atmosphere they 

created at home to Exeter with all the Wor Flags and the noise 

around it – I thought it was incredible. 

“We get a huge buzz from having our supporters with us, and 

they’ve been great in terms of not 

KIRAN 

MCDONALD 

PLAYER INTERVEIW - KIRAN MCDONALD 

11

“ 

AS RUGBY GOES, I WAS A 

REAL LATECOMER TO THE 

SPORT. 

getting on the guys’ backs during this 

run of results. We want to do it more for 

them than anything else, to be honest, 

just to show how much we appreciate 

their backing.” 

McDonald’s move to Newcastle in the 

summer capped off a rollercoaster year 

for the Scot, whose upbringing did not 

include an early affiliation with rugby. 

“I’m from the west of Glasgow. A lot of 

my family were born and raised in a 

place called Partick, but mum and dad 

moved to Bearsden, which is a nice 

place on the outskirts of the city,” he 

explains. 

“I’ve got two older brothers who are 

both based in England, and one of them 

is actually coming to work in Newcastle, 

which should be good. My two brothers 

are both pilots so they definitely got the 

brains in the family, and maybe I got a 

bit of the brawn! 

“As rugby goes, I was a real latecomer 

to the sport. I was always into football, 

a bit of running and athletics, and then 

basketball was a pretty big one for 

me. I didn’t go to a school that was 

particularly good in terms of team 

sports, but I was always enthusiastic 

about it. 

“In terms of football allegiance that’s 

obviously a big topic in Glasgow, and I’m 

on the blue side as a Rangers supporter. 

We’ve got Murray McCallum here who’s a 

Celtic fan so we always have a good bit 

of banter around it, but all my fiancee’s 

family are on the green side, too, so it’s 

nothing new for me. It’s all friendly 


13


rivalry, until it comes to an Old Firm game!” 

A quick learner in rugby terms, McDonald adds: “I was 18 when 

I joined my first rugby team, and it was a pretty rapid upward 

trajectory from there. 

“I began with Glasgow Hawks, joining them for the last four 

months of their Under-18s season. I ended up joining Glasgow 

Accies from there, which was basically just the other side of 

the fence from where Hawks were, and I spent a few enjoyable 

years there where I met some great people. Some of my best 

mates to this day are guys I met there, and that’s one of the 

great things about rugby. 

“I ended up getting signed by Glasgow Warriors’ academy 

which meant I had to be playing first division rugby, so I moved 

back to Hawks and played a bit of rugby there. 

“I was around the age of 20 when I first got signed by Glasgow 

Warriors, and after a year and a half with them I spent a bit 

of time in Hull because I wanted to open a few more doors in 

England. I enjoyed my brief time there and returned to Glasgow 

for the following season, and I had about six years in total with 

the Warriors.” 

Asked about who had played a big part in his rugby journey, one 

names rises to the top. 

“A guy who was really influential for me up there was Jonathan 

Humphreys, the old Wales hooker who is now on the Welsh 

national coaching team. He was coaching at Glasgow at the 

time, and he saw something in me. He said ‘you can’t teach 

height’, which is one thing I’ve got going for me, but he was 

great to work with and really pushed me on. 

“He said ‘you can’t 

teach height’.” 

“I loved my time there and had some great memories, like big 

European double headers against Montpellier, and the derby 

games against Edinburgh were always really good. It’s not 

far from test match standard, and they were always great 

occasions with the way the fans get into it and everything.” 

Heading south over the border last season for what proved 

to be a short-lived spell, McDonald explains: “From Glasgow 

I moved on to Wasps, for what was a really enjoyable time 

before things unravelled pretty quickly due to the financial 

situation. 

“I started every Premiership game for them during that 

early part of the season and the set-up there seemed great. 

The coaching and facilities were outstanding and I enjoyed 

expanding my horizons, but unfortunately it came to an abrupt 

halt. 

“It was a devastating time, and there was definitely a period 

professional rugby in a setting which also suited his off-field 

situation. 

“It was just a move which made sense from all sides, and we 

love living in Newcastle. Speaking to some of the coaches, I 

was really interested in the move, and even though results 

haven’t gone our way this season I still think we’ve been 

playing some good rugby and we’re not that far away from 

turning it around. 

“My fiancée Cara and I chatted about the move and we were 

both really keen that it was the right option, and I’m glad we did 

it. Our son Monty was born in March, and it was only a couple of 

months later that we moved down to Newcastle together for 

the start of pre-season.” 

Turning to this evening’s assignment against Bristol Bears, 

McDonald is well aware of the threat posed by Pat Lam’s 

charges. 

“Bristol are doing pretty well with some decent wins under 

their belt, and for me they’re a dangerous team. 

“They get a lot of spark from nine, they have some electric 

backs and a good set-piece, so it’ll be a good physical 

challenge. There should hopefully be a lot of running rugby, but 

it all starts with us doing our basics well, getting our skills and 

our shape right and enabling those opportunities to open up. 

“It would certainly be a nice early Christmas present if we could 

send our fans home celebrating a win.” 


14 

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CHRISTMAS 

COACHING CAMPS 

Places are available for our Christmas coaching camps, which will be 

held at Kingston Park Stadium on January 3, 4 and 5. 

Day one and two of the camp will run from 11am to 2pm and includes a 

range of rugby skills, games and activities, which we see as the perfect 

way to create a balance between learning, improving and enjoyment. 

COMMUNITY 

Camp participants will receive three hours of coaching from DBScleared, 

RFU-qualified Falcons Community coaches. 

The third day of camp will run from 4pm to 6pm it will include a range 

of rugby skills, games and activities, as well as a gift and a match 

ticket for the Newcastle Falcons v Harlequins fixture. 

For more information email gavin.beasley@newcastle-falcons.co.uk. 

NEWCASTLE 

COLLEGE SPONSORS 

THE CAST 

Newcastle College has partnered with Falcons Community to 

sponsor the Newcastle Rugby Foundation’s CAST programme 

this season. 

The CAST is a nationally-recognised volunteer and social 

inclusion programme which aims to support a wide range 

of people to develop their social skills, improve their mental 

and physical health and keep them engaged with the local 

community. 

no confidence in myself. I never thought I’d be coaching young 

people and completing my sports coaching qualifications at 

Newcastle College. I can’t wait to continue my future working 

with CAST, Falcons Community and coaching Consett Rugby 

Club. I will forever be grateful for my progress.” 

Scott Bullock, principal of Newcastle College, said: “We are 

thrilled to expand our existing partnership with Falcons Community 

with sponsorship of the CAST programme, to help even 

more young people prepare for a successful future. 

“I am looking forward to strengthening our relationship with 

Newcastle Rugby Foundation and exploring what more we can 

do together for the benefit of our learners and our local communities.” 

Melanie Magee, head of Newcastle Rugby Foundation, said: “We 

are delighted to announce that we will be expanding our partnership 

with Newcastle College. 

EMPOWERING 

DIVERSITY 

THROUGH PROJECT 

RUGBY 

The Falcons Community actively engages in mixed-ability rugby 

sessions as part of Project Rugby, a joint initiative between Premiership 

Rugby and England Rugby. 

The project’s primary objective is to enable as many people as 

possible to experience rugby. It aims to increase participation in the 

sport among under-represented groups such as those from ethnically 

diverse communities, lower socio-economic backgrounds and people 

with disabilities. 

take part comes from a desire to maintain fitness, connect with new 

individuals and explore sports previously untried. 

Stephen Parsons, Falcons Community development officer, said: “It has 

been great to meet Henry and see him get stuck into the sessions right 

from the start. 

“We had a great summer with the learning disability rugby league 

team, and it is good to see him coming back and taking part in the 

Falcons mixed ability sessions in partnership with Tyneside Badminton 

Centre through the multi-sports sessions. 

“Henry has shown great commitment not only to the LD team, but also 

getting involved in the Falcons Fit sessions alongside his dad.” 

For more information about Falcons Community’s mixed ability rugby 

session, email falconscommunity@newcastle-falcons.co.uk. 

COMMUNITY NEWS 

The partnership has already impacted hundreds of students 

including Reece Wray, who was recently named HITZ Young 

Achiever 2023. 

Reece said: “I love the thought of helping others reach their 

maximum potential in sports and life. 

“Before the HITZ programme and volunteering with CAST I had 

“The HITZ and CAST are two exceptional programmes which 

provide students at the College with great opportunities to 

develop their skills and knowledge. We are excited to see this 

collaboration grow and make a positive impact on the lives of 

students at Newcastle College and the community.” 

If you are interested in being part of the CAST family, please 

contact falconscommunity@newcastle-falcons.co.uk. 

Throughout this school term the Falcons Community Development 

Officers have delivered mixed-ability sessions in local schools and 

colleges some who have not tried rugby before. Additionally, Falcons 

Community, in collaboration with the Tyneside Badminton Centre, 

has organised after-school multi-sport and tag rugby sessions, 

consistently drawing a significant turn-out. 

Henry, an active participant in these sessions, expresses his enjoyment 

in engaging with others and acquiring new skills. His motivation to 

COMMUNITY NEWS 

18 

19

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CLUB NEWS 

EDINBURGH VISIT FOR 

FEBRUARY FRIENDLY 

BELOW: 

(Left to right) Newcastle’s 

Callum Chick, Edinburgh’s Glen 

Young and Newcastle’s Tom 

Penny 

Newcastle Falcons will host Edinburgh Rugby on Friday February 

9 at Kingston Park, with opportunities to help raise funds 

for My Name’5 Doddie. 

The cross-border friendly is a 7.45pm kick-off and tickets are 

now on sale priced at just £10 for adults and £5 for under-18s. 

Season ticket and parking pass holders are advised this game 

is NOT included in their 2023-24 package, with the Falcons 

renewing rivalries against the men from the Scottish capital. 

A 10% donation from sales of an exclusive hat will be made to 

To book, email keithevans2105@gmail.com or call Keith on 

07812 975 220. Payment can be made direct to account 

number 13503976 and sort code 20-59-61. 

Newcastle Falcons are grateful to our independent Supporters’ 

Club for their continued backing, and look forward to seeing 

you in Leicester! 

My Name’5 Doddie, the charity set up by the late Doddie Weir 

which is striving to find a cure for motor neurone disease. 

There will be further opportunities to donate on the night, with 

Falcons head coach Alex Codling delighted to have secured the 

fixture. 

“This makes a lot of sense for us because Edinburgh provide 

top-level opposition for us during a part of the season where 

we have an extended break from our regular games,” he said. 

“We have developed a great relationship with Edinburgh which 

has already seen the two squads coming together for some 

joint training sessions in the Scottish Borders. 

“From a geographical point of view, it’s also a great match-up 

because the relative proximity will enable fans of both sides to 

come along and support the fixture. 

“The opportunity for fans to donate to My Name’5 Doddie feels 

like a very natural partnership, considering Doddie Weir’s huge 

connection with Newcastle and Scottish rugby. 

“I’m sure supporters of both clubs will come along and enjoy 

the occasion, and with the tickets priced the way they are we 

can hopefully get a good crowd along for what will be a proper, 

competitive fixture.” 

CHRISTMAS CHEER 

Newcastle Falcons, alongside the Chronicle Sunshine Fund, 

have been out and about in the community getting into the 

festive spirit and spreading Christmas cheer. 

Set up at Tesco, Kingston Park, the Falcons and The Sunshine 

Fund lent a helping hand to the main man himself, Santa Claus 

as children from across the region visited his fully accessible 

and inclusive grotto bus. 

The Sunshine Fund is a local North East charity that provides 

specialist and adapted equipment to children aged 0-19 living 

with disabilities, additional needs, chronic and terminal illness. 

UNDERWOOD WINGS IN 

FOR BUSINESS CLUB 

EVENT 

Newcastle Falcons this month held their second Business Club 

event of the season, with a special guest appearance from 

Tony Underwood. 

Sponsored by law firm Irwin Mitchell, the breakfast event 

saw members enjoy a morning of networking alongside 

refreshments. 

The guest speaker was former Newcastle Falcons, England and 

British & Irish Lions player Underwood, with the winger sharing 

stories about his playing experiences as well as his transition 

into aviation, where he is now an Airbus 1380 captain. Tony, 

spoke passionately about emotional resilience, building a 

successful team ethos and how these can be applied in sport, 

business and everyday challenges. 

An incredibly motivating and inspiring talk and Q&A session 

was well received by all in attendance, marking another 

hugely successful Business Club event with plenty of positive 

feedback to go with it. 

Details of Newcastle Falcons’ next Business Club event will 

be communicated in due course. However, we are excited to 

let you know our guest speaker will be flying in from Dubai 

especially! 

If you are interested in becoming a Business Club member 

please email corporatesales@newcastle-falcons.co.uk. 

CLUB NEWS 

You can find out more about the fantastic work they do by 

visiting www.thesunshinefund.org. 

CLUB NEWS 

22 

23

1. 

1. 

1. 

1. 

WELCOME TO THE 

FIRST TEAM 

TRUE NORTH 

NEWCASTLE FALCONS 2023 - 24 

PLAYERS 

PHIL 

BRANTINGHAM 

PROP 

BORN: 02/10/01 

HEIGHT: 1.83M (6FT) 

WEIGHT: 117KG (18ST 5) 

SPONSORED BY 

ADAM 

BROCKLEBANK 

PROP 

BORN: 06/09/95 

HEIGHT: 1.88M (6FT 1) 


HONOURS: ENGLAND STUDENTS 

AVAILABLE TO 

SPONSOR 

LOUIS 

BROWN 

FULL-BACK 

BORN: 17/02/98 



HONOURS: ENGLAND 

COUNTIES U18 

SPONSORED BY 

BRYAN 

BYRNE 

HOOKER 

BORN: 09/09/93 

HEIGHT: 1.78M (5FT 10) 


HONOURS: IRELAND U20 

AVAILABLE TO 

SPONSOR 

1. 1. 1. 1. 

1. 

1. 

1. 

1. 

SQUAD 2023-24 - FIRST TEAM PLAYERS 

JOSH 

BAINBRIDGE 

SPONSORED BY 

JOSH 

BARTON 

EDUARDO 

BELLO 

SPONSORED BY 

JAMIE 

BLAMIRE 

SPONSORED BY 

MATEO 

CARRERAS 

BACK ROW 

SCRUM-HALF 

PROP 

HOOKER 

LOCK 

WING 

BACK ROW 

FLY-HALF 

BORN: 17/04/96 BORN: 15/12/97 BORN: 27/11/95 BORN: 22/12/97 

BORN: 13/01/97 

BORN: 17/12/99 

BORN: 25/11/96 

BORN: 29/08/96 

HEIGHT: 1.83M (6 FT) HEIGHT: 1.85M (6FT) HEIGHT: 1.90M (6FT 2) HEIGHT: 1.85M (6FT) 





WEIGHT: 103KG (16 ST 3) WEIGHT: 85KG (13ST 5) WEIGHT: 120KG (18ST 12) 


WEIGHT: 121KG (19ST) 




HONOURS: ENGLAND U20S 

HONOURS: ARGENTINA 


HONOURS: ENGLAND STUDENTS HONOURS: ARGENTINA 



AVAILABLE TO 

SPONSOR 

TIM 

CARDALL 

SPONSORED BY 

SPONSORED BY 

CALLUM 

CHICK 

SPONSORED BY 

Geoff & Marie 

Penrice 

BRETT 

CONNON 

SPONSORED BY 


26 27

1. 

1. 1. 

1. 

1. 

1. 

1. 

1. 

SAM 

CROSS 

BACK ROW 

BORN: 28/8/92 


WEIGHT: 100KG(15ST 10) 

HONOURS: WALES 

SEBASTIAN 

DE CHAVES 

JAMES 

ELLIOTT 

JOHN 

HAWKINS 

LOCK 

SCRUM-HALF 

LOCK 

BORN: 30/10/90 BORN: 29/08/98 

BORN: 11/11/96 

HEIGHT: 2.02M (6FT 6) HEIGHT: 1.77M (5FT 10) 


WEIGHT: 117KG (18ST 5) WEIGHT: 82KG (12ST 13) 


HONOURS: SOUTH AFRICA U20 HONOURS: ENGLAND STUDENTS 

CAMERON 

HUTCHISON 

CENTRE 

BORN: 01/06/98 

HEIGHT: 1.82M (6 FT) 

WEIGHT: 102KG (16 ST 1) 

HONOURS: SCOTLAND U20 

FREDDIE 

LOCKWOOD 

BACK ROW 

BORN: 31/12/00 



HONOURS: ENGLAND U19 

CHARLIE 

MADDISON 

HOOKER 

BORN: 24/06/91 



MURRAY 

MCCALLUM 

PROP 

BORN: 16/03/96 




AVAILABLE TO 

SPONSOR 

SPONSORED BY 

Jacksons Law 

Firm 

AVAILABLE TO 

SPONSOR 

AVAILABLE TO 

SPONSOR 

AVAILABLE TO 

SPONSOR 

SPONSORED BY 

AVAILABLE TO 

SPONSOR 

SPONSORED BY 

The Business 

Agility Coach 

1. 

1. 1. 1. 1. 

1. 

1. 

1. 


OLLIE 

LEATHERBARROW 

BACK ROW 

BORN: 08/04/02 



HONOURS: SCOTLAND U20 

SPONSORED BY 

RORY 

JENNINGS 

SPONSORED BY 

JONH 

KELLY 

SPONSORED BY 

ZACH 

KERR 

SPONSORED BY 

KIRAN 

MCDONALD 

MATIAS 

MORONI 

SPONSORED BY 

ELLIOTT 

OBATOYINBO 

SPONSORED BY 

MATIAS 

ORLANDO 

FLY-HALF/CENTRE 

LOCK/BACK ROW 

CENTRE/WING 

LOCK 

CENTRE 

FULL-BACK 

CENTRE 

BORN: 24/12/95 BORN: 11/10/95 BORN: 13/12/99 BORN: 01/11/94 

BORN: 10/07/91 

BORN: 09/10/98 

BORN: 14/11/91 












HONOURS: ENGLAND U20S 




AVAILABLE TO 

SPONSOR 

SPONSORED BY 


28 29

1. 

1. 1. 

1. 

1. 

1. 

1. 

1. 

HUGH 

O’SULLIVAN 

SCRUM-HALF 

BORN: 24/2/98 




RICHARD 

PALFRAMAN 

TOM 

PENNY 

GUY 

PEPPER 

PROP 

FULL-BACK 

BACK ROW 

BORN: 20/12/93 BORN: 13/10/94 

BORN: 15/04/03 





HONOURS: ENGLAND STUDENTS HONOURS: ENGLAND U18 

BEN 

STEVENSON 

WING/CENTRE 

BORN: 19/7/98 




SAM 

STUART 

SCRUM-HALF 

BORN: 27/09/91 




MARK 

TAMPIN 

PROP 

BORN: 20/01/92 



JOSH 

THOMAS 

FLY-HALF 

BORN: 30/06/00 



HONOURS: WALES U20 

AVAILABLE TO 

SPONSOR 

AVAILABLE TO 

SPONSOR 

SPONSORED BY 

SPONSORED BY 

AVAILABLE TO 

SPONSOR 

SPONSORED BY 

SPONSORED BY 

AVAILABLE TO 

SPONSOR 

1. 

1. 

1. 

1. 

1. 

1. 

1. 


VEREIMI 

QOROWALE 

WING/CENTRE 

BORN: 27/01/95 

HEIGHT: 1.86M (5FT 11) 

WEIGHT: 102KG (16 ST 1) 

HONOURS: BRITISH ARMY 

AVAILABLE TO 

SPONSOR 

ADAM 

RADWAN 

WING 

BORN: 30/12/97 




SPONSORED BY 

The 

Blackbirds 

PEDRO 

RUBIOLO 

BACK ROW/LOCK 

BORN: 21/12/02 




SPONSORED BY 

IWAN 

STEPHENS 

WING 

BORN: 24/03/02 




AVAILABLE TO 

SPONSOR 

PHILIP 

VAN DER WALT 

LOCK 

BORN: 14/07/89 



AVAILABLE TO 

SPONSOR 

MICHAEL 

VAN VUUREN 

HOOKER 

BORN: 28/09/91 



HONOURS: SOUTH AFRICA U20 

AVAILABLE TO 

SPONSOR 

GEORGE 

WACOKECOKE 

CENTRE 

BORN: 23/10/95 




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NEWCASTLE FALCONS 2023 - 24 

1. 1. 1. 

1. 

FIRST TEAM 

STAFF 

JOHN 

STOKOE 

TEAM MANAGER 

STEVE 

BREMNER 

PERFORMANCE ANALYST 

MATT 

HODKINSON 

PERFORMANCE ANALYST 

KEVIN 

MCSHANE 

HEAD OF ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE 

1. 1. 1. 

1. 

1. 1. 1. 

1. 

LEWIS 

WILLIAMS 

STRENGTH & CONDITIONING COACH 

SHAUN 

MCLAREN 

STRENGTH & CONDITIONING COACH 

RHYS 

GRIFFITHS 

HEAD PHYSIO 

ANDY 

SHEA 

PHYSIO 

1. 1. 1. 

1. 

SQUAD 2023-24 - FIRST TEAM STAFF 

ALEX 

CODLING 

HEAD COACH 

MICKY 

WARD 

COACH 

TOM 

WILLIAMS 

COACH 

SCOTT 

BALDWIN 

COACH 

DERMOT 

AUSTIN 

PHYSIO 

RACHEL 

SCURFIELD 

LEAD DOCTOR 

DEAN 

SHIPSEY 

MATCH-DAY DOCTOR 

1. 1. 1. 

1. 

MATT 

GLOVER 

KIT CO-ORDINATOR 

ALAN 

BASKERVILLE 

KIT CO-ORDINATOR 

ANDREW 

CRUICKSHANK 

PSYCHOLOGIST 

ANDY 

RAMSHAW 

MATCH-DAY DOCTOR 

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MCNAUGHTON 

PERFORMANCE NUTRITIONIST 

SQUAD 2023-24 - FIRST TEAM STAFF 

32 33

1. 1. 

1. 

1. 

SENIOR 

WELCOME TO THE 

TRUE NORTH 

NEWCASTLE FALCONS 2023 -24 

ACADEMY 

BEN 

DOUGLAS 

SPONSORED BY 

OLLIE 

FLETCHER 

NATHAN 

GREENWOOD 

SCRUM-HALF 

HOOKER 

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BORN: 16/01/04 BORN: 09/09/02 

BORN: 20/11/03 

HEIGHT: 1.77M (5FT 8) HEIGHT: 1.83M (6FT) 






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1. 

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1. 

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SQUAD 2023-24 - SENIOR ACADEMY PLAYERS 

FINN 

BAKER 

SAM 

CLARK 

LUKE 

COULSTON 

LOCK PROP LOCK 

BORN: 17/10/04 BORN: 31/1/04 BORN: 17/07/04 

HEIGHT: 2.01M (6FT 7) HEIGHT: 1.84M (6FT) HEIGHT: 2M (6FT 6) 

WEIGHT: 100KG (15ST 10) WEIGHT: 120KG (18ST 13) WEIGHT: 95KG (14ST 13) 



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MARK 

DORMER 

PROP 

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JACOB 

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34 

35

1. 1. 

1. 

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SCOTT 

OLIVER 

SPENCER 

MARCUS 

TIFFEN 

LOCK 

FULL-BACK 

BACK ROW 

BORN: 27/11/01 BORN: 22/2/04 

BORN: 03/09/02 







KEITH 

ROBINSON 

ACADEMY DPP MANAGER 

NICK 

TODD 

ACADEMY PERFORMANCE 

MANAGER 

1. 1. 

1. 

MICHAEL 

FERGUSON 

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& CONDITIONING COACH 

JOE 

MARTIN 

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SQUAD 2023-24 - SENIOR ACADEMY PLAYERS + ACADEMY STAFF 

36 

STAFF 

1. 1. 1. 

1. 

ACADEMY 

JAMES 

PONTON 

HEAD OF ACADEMY 

MARK 

LAYCOCK 

COACH 

NEWCASTLE FALCONS 2023 -24 

PJ 

BUTLER 

ACADEMY COACH 

JACK 

HAYES 

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37

PLAYER STATS 

Name 

Falcons 

career 

apps 


career 

points 


career 

tries 

Season 

2023-24 

apps 

Season 

2023-24 

points 

Season 

2023-24 

tries 

Name 


career 

apps 


career 

points 


career 

tries 

Season 

2023-24 

apps 

Season 

2023-24 

points 

Season 

2023-24 

tries 

Josh Bainbridge 6 0 0 6 0 0 Freddie Lockwood 36 15 3 11 5 1 

Finn Baker 1 0 0 1 0 0 Charlie Maddison 29 5 1 2 0 0 

Josh Barton 13 10 2 4 0 0 Murray McCallum 12 0 0 12 0 0 

Eduardo Bello 4 0 0 4 0 0 Kiran McDonald 10 5 1 10 5 1 

Jamie Blamire 98 125 25 9 25 5 Matias Moroni 18 10 2 3 5 1 

Phil Brantingham 21 0 0 13 0 0 Elliott Obatoyinbo 27 15 3 9 0 0 

Adam Brocklebank 114 0 0 14 0 0 Jacob Oliver 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Louis Brown 6 15 3 6 15 3 Matias Orlando 44 20 4 9 5 1 

Bryan Byrne 8 10 2 8 10 2 Hugh O'Sullivan 10 0 0 10 0 0 

Tim Cardall 8 0 0 8 0 0 Richard Palframan 31 0 0 3 0 0 

Mateo Carreras 37 80 16 1 0 0 Tom Penny 94 50 10 8 0 0 

Callum Chick 136 105 21 11 10 2 Guy Pepper 17 20 4 10 5 1 

Sam Clark 1 0 0 1 0 0 Max Pepper 1 5 1 1 5 1 

Brett Connon 98 478 2 10 58 0 Vereimi Qorowale 2 5 1 0 0 0 

Luke Coulston 1 0 0 0 0 0 Adam Radwan 105 260 52 11 15 3 

Sam Cross 10 0 0 10 0 0 Ben Redshaw 6 0 0 6 0 0 

Sebastien de Chaves 49 10 2 10 10 2 Mike Rewcastle 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Mark Dormer 5 0 0 2 0 0 Pedro Rubiolo 12 5 1 5 0 0 

Ben Douglas 6 5 1 3 5 1 Adam Scott 1 0 0 1 0 0 

James Elliott 4 0 0 4 0 0 Oliver Spencer 4 0 0 4 0 0 

Ollie Fletcher 12 15 3 4 10 2 Iwan Stephens 20 55 11 8 35 7 

Nathan Greenwood 2 5 1 1 0 0 Ben Stevenson 73 90 20 7 10 2 

John Hawkins 7 0 0 7 0 0 Sam Stuart 91 40 8 9 0 0 

Cameron Hutchison 7 0 0 7 0 0 Mark Tampin 84 0 0 10 0 0 

Rory Jennings 8 2 0 8 2 0 Corbin Thunder 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Louie Johnson 11 39 1 7 31 1 Josh Thomas 14 21 0 5 4 0 

Isaac Keller 0 0 0 0 0 0 Marcus Tiffen 9 10 2 2 0 0 

John Kelly 5 0 0 5 0 0 Philip van der Walt 48 15 3 7 0 0 

Zach Kerr 17 15 3 6 5 1 Michael van Vuuren 7 5 1 7 5 1 

Ollie Leatherbarrow 3 0 0 3 0 0 George Wacokecoke 66 85 17 2 5 1 

PLAYER STATS 

39

NORTH STAND 

ADULT £15 

U18 £7 

SOUTH STAND 

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U18 £7 

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ADULT £25 

U18 £12 

EAST SEATS 

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ALL OUR YESTERDAYS 

LEFT: 

Peter Dixon 

Kingsley Hyland’s rugby 

reminiscences continue, 

with our regular feature 

focusing on games from 50, 

30, 25 and 5 years ago. 

50 YEARS AGO – DECEMBER 22, 1973 

GOSFORTH 37-0 MIDDLESBROUGH 

By the end of 1973 Gosforth had firmly established themselves 

as one of the top clubs in the North of England and were starting 

to get noticed nationally. 

For amateur rugby players the festive period was all about 

avoiding travelling long distances as a break from work was 

countered by a hectic fixture list which could see four games 

played within eight days. Their grounds separated by a couple 

of hundred yards, Northern were always the Boxing Day opponents, 

whilst Benton-based Novocastrians provided the New 

Year’s Day opposition. 

Depending on the day of the week on which Christmas day 

fell, the club would play Middlesbrough on the Saturday either 

immediately before or after Christmas. So it was that Middlesbrough 

made the short journey to the Great North Road 

Ground three days before Christmas in 1973. 

The circumstances surrounding the match serve to emphasise 

the amateur nature of pre-professional rugby. The Middlesbrough 

players travelled in their own cars to the game, 

and kick-off was delayed after Middlesbrough winger David 

Carswell discovered that he had locked his car keys in the boot 

of his car, with his boots inside! 



46 

47

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In those days there were no replacements in club matches, even 

for injuries, but a back-row forward, Peter Riley, who was not 

originally selected due to injury, volunteered to play on the wing. 

The gulf in class that was emerging between the two clubs 

was quickly apparent as the Gosforth forwards took complete 

control despite losing British and Irish Lion Peter Dixon to injury 

early in the game. 

They ran in six tries in a comfortable victory, and the Gosforth 

side that was to achieve national prominence with their first 

John Player Cup win two seasons later was beginning to take 

shape. 

The side which took the field that day was as follows: 

B.Patrick; D.Carr; D.Simpson; R.Biggs; S.Gustard; J.Hayton; 

M.Young; A.Cutter; D.Madsen; A.Newton; T.Roberts; D.Shaw; 

P.Dixon; D.Robinson; R.Uttley 

Of that side David Carr, Peter Dixon and Roger Uttley had been 

selected that week for the second England trial, whilst hooker 

Duncan Madsen would make his Scotland debut three weeks 

later against Wales in Cardiff. Dixon and Uttley had already been 

capped, whilst Carr’s career was cut short by a serious eye 

injury. 

Wakefield went bust in the early days of the professional era 

whilst Headingley and Roundhay merged to form Leeds, who 

eventually made it to the Premiership, but having morphed into 

Yorkshire Carnegie are now playing as Leeds Tykes at level 4 in 

National League 2 North. 

Middlesbrough can also lay claim to producing two British Lions’ 

fly-halves who would go on to become directors of rugby at 

Kingston Park. 

Alan Old started his senior club career at Acklam Park, as did Rob 

Andrew. Old replaced Mike Mahoney as Newcastle Gosforth’s 

director of rugby following relegation from Division One in 1994, 

whilst Andrew of course was the first director of rugby of the 

professional era. 


NEWCASTLE GOSFORTH 53-10 BRIDGWATER & ALBION 

With Newcastle Gosforth win-less in their short-lived spell in 

Division One, this Pilkington Cup fourth round tie against 

Middlesbrough were interesting opponents in the 1970s and 

80s. The power base of Yorkshire club rugby was in the old West 

Riding in the form of Headingley, Roundhay, Morley, Wakefield 

and Halifax, but Middlesbrough provided a steady number of 

county players and won the Yorkshire County Cup in 1976. 


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RIGHT: 

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48 

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Mark Mayerhofler 49

Second Division Bridgwater and Albion had giant-killing and 

banana skin written all over it. 

Four tries in the first half-hour banished those fears as 

the home side took advantage of a strong wind. Displaying 

impressive handling in the conditions and with teenager Martin 

Corry starring, they were too quick in thought and deed for their 

first time opponents. 

Corry was first on the score sheet after ten minutes following 

a powerful break from fellow flanker Graham Clark. The visitors 

hit back with a penalty from Nick Edmonds on 15 minutes but 

Newcastle responded immediately with a try from Fergus 

Mitchell, converted by fly-half Tom Willcox, and five minutes 

later winger Mark White touched down in the corner when his 

deft footwork left two defenders floundering. 

LEFT: 

Ross Nesdale 

Just before the half-hour mark Clark himself crossed for a try 

which Willcox converted to open up a 24-3 lead. Three minutes 

later the visitors took advantage of a wayward kick from fullback 

Dave Bennett which enabled Steve Baldwin to touch down. 

Edmonds converted, and with the advantage of the wind to 

come in the second half the Devonians were back in the game. 

Newcastle had entered the competition at the fourth round 

but their progress was halted in the next round as they went 

down 7-12 at Orrell. The professional era has not been good for 

Bridgwater and Albion, who now find themselves languishing 

at level 7 in the wonderfully-named Counties 1 Tribute Western 

North. 


A Willcox penalty on 35 minutes would not have dampened 

the visitors’ optimism as the teams went in at half-time with 

Newcastle leading 27-10. 

Any possibility of a comeback was snuffed out four minutes 

into the second half when Willcox finished off a sweeping threequarters 

move with a try which he converted for 34-10. Skipper 

Steve Douglas crossed between the posts five minutes later, 

with Willcox’s conversion taking the score past 40. 

With seven minutes remaining Bennett atoned for his earlier 

error with a try which Willcox again converted to take his 

personally tally to 18. The home side rubbed salt into the tiring 

visitors’ wounds in the final minute of normal time when lock 

John Fowler was driven over to bring up the half-century. 

The Newcastle Gosforth team that day was as follows: 

D.Bennett; D.Casado; J.Merritt; M.Tetlow; M.White; T.Willcox; 

S.Douglas (capt); R.Fuller; A.Hetherington; P.VanZandvliet; 

J.Fowler; F.Mitchell; M.Corry; R.Arnold; G.Clark 


NEWCASTLE FALCONS 15-10 MANCHESTER SALE 

As defending Premiership champions the Falcons had not had 

an easy start to their title defence with defeats to Richmond, 

London Irish, Gloucester, Quins and Leicester countered by 

wins over Bath, West Hartlepool, Wasps, Bedford, Saracens and 

Northampton. 

The ill-fated experiment of playing home matches at Gateshead 

Stadium had been abandoned and a mere 3,020 turned up to 

watch this pre-Christmas fixture against Manchester Sale, as 

the Sharks were then known. 


50 

51


52 

The Falcons produced one of their better performances of that 

season with full-back Stuart Legg, winger Inga Tuigamala and 

centre Martin Shaw the stand-out performers. 

The home side opened the scoring after just four minutes when 

Gary Armstrong combined with fellow Scottish internationals 

Doddie Weir and Peter Walton after the former had secured 

line-out ball to cross for a try which Jonny Wilkinson converted 

to open up a 7-0 lead. 

Sale’s response was immediate as prolific winger Steve Hanley 

crossed after weak tackling enabled flanker Pat Sanderson to 

breach the defensive line. Shane Howarth was unable to add 

the conversion and the helter-skelter nature of the start to the 

game continued on 11 minutes when Legg crossed for the first 

of his two tries following a backs move which he started and 

finished by touching down in the corner. 

Wilkinson, who was to have a rare off day with the boot, missed 

with the conversion. Howarth narrowed the gap to four points 

with a penalty (12-8) with 16 minutes gone, but Legg then got 

his second following a midfield break by Shaw and support from 

first Wilkinson and then Ross Beattie. 

Wilkinson’s conversion attempt was again off target, as it was 

after 35 minutes when Shaw himself got onto the score sheet 

following a break from Jim Naylor, again supported by Beattie. 

The Falcons led 22-8 at the break, and six minutes into the 

second half Wilkinson resumed more normal service when he 

kicked a penalty. 

Sale came briefly to life shortly after as Howarth took 

advantage of more weak tackling to score between the posts. 

He converted his own try, and at 25-15 it was game on. 

The Falcons finally made the game safe in the dying minutes 

of a fractious second half which had seen three player’s sinbinned, 

Garath Archer capitalising on a Sale defensive error to 

touch down. 

The teams that day were as follows: 

Newcastle: S.Legg; V.Tuigamala; M.Shaw; R.Andrew; J.Naylor; 

J.Wilkinson; G.Armstrong; G.Graham; R.Nesdale; G.Archer; 

D.Weir; P.Walton; J.Cartmell (rep. R.Horton 68); R.Beattie 


Newcastle: S.Legg; V.Tuigamala; M.Shaw; R.Andrew; J.Naylor; 

J.Wilkinson; G.Armstrong; G.Graham; R.Nesdale; G.Archer; 

D.Weir; P.Walton; J.Cartmell (rep. R.Horton 68); R.Beattie 

Sale: J.Mallinder; M.Moore; B-J.Mather; C.Yates; S.Hanley; 

S.Howarth; R.Smith (rep. K.Ellis 62); P.Winstanley; P.Greening; 

D.Bell; D.Baldwin; S.Raiwalui; P.Anglesea; P.Sanderson (rep. 

A.Sanderson); J.Machachek 


NEWCASTLE FALCONS 17-20 GLOUCESTER 

Following their stellar performance the previous season 

which saw them secure a top-four finish and Champions Cup 

qualification, the last completed season prior to the Covid 

pandemic had not started well for the Falcons, and would 

ultimately end with relegation to the Championship. 

Despite impressive showings in Europe against Toulon (26- 

25), Montpellier (23-20) and in the Premiership Cup against 

Harlequins (23-21) and Bath (22-7), league form had been 

patchy, and any momentum gained from the cup performances 

had been stalled by heavy back-to-back defeats to Edinburgh. 

Nevertheless, a season’s best crowd of 9,042 at Kingston Park 

LEFT: 

Vereniki 

Goneva 

were in optimistic mood ahead of this pre-Christmas match up 

against fellow strugglers Gloucester. 

That optimism was punctuated by a slow start which saw 

Gloucester take an early lead through a Billy Twelvetrees 

penalty. The Falcons’ response came from the boot of Tongan 

scrum-half Sonatane Takulua, who kicked the first of his four 

penalties after 16 minutes. 

His second nudged his side ahead (6-3) after Ben Morgan had 

spilled a Josh Matavesi kick near his own line, and his teammates 

when offside trying to retrieve the situation. That lead 

did not last long as Ed Slater crossed following a series of 

forward drives in the final play of the half. The try, converted by 

Twelvetrees gave the visitors a 10-6 interval lead. 

The Falcons responded with a try of their own at the start of 

the second half. Simon Hammersley made a trademark break 

from deep inside his own 22 before feeding Takulua, who in turn 

delivered a try-scoring pass to Niki Goneva. Takulua could not 

add the conversion but added penalties on 53 and 59 minutes, 

and the Falcons led 17-7 as the game entered its final quarter. 

Gloucester reverted to the pick and drive as their weapon of 

choice, and Morgan made up for his first half error to score near 

the posts. Twelvetrees levelled the scores with the conversion 

and then kicked the winning penalty from the touchline with six 

minutes remaining. 


Newcastle: S.Hammersley; V.Goneva; C.Harris; J.Matavesi 

(rep.T.Arscott 72); A.Tait; T.Flood (capt); S.Takulua (rep. M.Young 

65); S.Lockwood (rep.TDavison 40); K.Cooper (rep. G.McGuigan 

61); L.Mulipola (rep. D.Wilson 65); C.Green; T.Cavubati; G.Graham 

(rep. R.Burrows 78); J.Hardie; M.Wilson 

Gloucester: J.Woodward (rep. H.Trinder 48); C.Sharples (rep. 

C.Brailey 72); B.Twelvetrees; T.Hudson; O.Thorley; O.Williams; 

C.Brailey (rep. W.Heinz 63); J.Hohneck (rep. P.McAllister 63); 

J.Visagie (rep. H.Walker 78); C.Knight (rep. F.Balmain 63); 

E.Slater (capt); F.Mostert; F.Clarke; L.Ludlow (rep. G.Evans 63); 

B.Morgan (rep. J.Kriel 68) 


53

FIXTURES AND RESULTS 

FIXTURES AND RESULTS 

FOR 6-17 

YEAR OLDS 

SEPTEMBER 

FEBRUARY 

PRC Sat Sep 9 Ampthill W 17-40 

F FRI FEB 9 EDINBURGH 7.45pm 

PRC FRI SEP 15 BEDFORD BLUES W 26-16 

MARCH 

PRC FRI SEP 22 SALE SHARKS W 23-10 

GP Mar 22/23/24 Exeter Chiefs TBC 

PRC Sat Sep 30 Leicester Tigers L 60-7 

GP MAR 29/30/31 LEICESTER TIGERS TBC 

OCTOBER 

APRIL 

PRC SUN OCT 8 CALDY W 66-13 

ECC Apr 5/6/7 Round of 16 

GP Sat Oct 14 Bath L 34-26 

ECC Apr 12/13/14 Quarter-finals 

GP FRI OCT 20 GLOUCESTER (L 14-18) 

GP Apr 19/20/21 Bristol Bears TBC 

GP SUN OCT 29 NORTHAMPTON SAINTS (L 14-16) 

NOVEMBER 

GP Sat Nov 4 Harlequins (L 40-12) 

GP SUN NOV 12 SARACENS (L 50-12) 

GP Fri Nov 17 Sale Sharks (L 40-22) 

GP SUN NOV 26 EXETER CHIEFS (L 14-20) 

GP APR 26/27/28 SALE SHARKS TBC 

MAY 

ECC May 3/4/5 Semi-finals 

GP MAY 10/11/12 BATH TBC 

GP May 17/18/19 Gloucester TBC 

ECC Fri May 24 Final (Tottenham Hotspur Stadium) 

PLAY LIKE 

THE PROS 

DECEMBER 

JUNE 


GP Sun Dec 3 Leicester Tigers (L 3-47) 

ECC SUN DEC 10 MONTPELLIER (L 19-24) 

ECC Sat Dec 16 Emirates Lions (L 35-13) 

GP FRI DEC 22 BRISTOL BEARS 7.45pm 

GP Sat Dec 30 Saracens 3pm 

JANUARY 

GP FRI JAN 5 HARLEQUINS 7.45pm 

ECC FRI JAN 12 BENETTON RUGBY 8pm 

ECC Sun Jan 21 Perpignan 1pm 

GP Sat Jan 27 Northampton Saints 2pm 

TICKETS: 

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ECC Apr 5/6/7 Round of 16 

ECC Apr 12/13/14 Quarter-finals 

NEXT TIME 

AT KP 

V HARLEQUINS 

FRIDAY JAN 5th 

GALLAGHER PREM 

Kick-off: 19:45 pm 

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For more info visit WWW.RUGBYCAMPS.COM 

KEY: GP = Gallagher Premiership, ECC = EPCR Challenge Cup, PRC = Premiership Rugby Cup, F = Friendly. 

54 

(Home games in capital letters)

BY MARK SMITH - NEWCASTLE FALCONS MEDIA MANAGER 

The presence of South African teams in the European competitions 

is a subject which stirs strong opinions on both sides of the debate. 

I am in the privileged position of having spent last week in 

Johannesburg ahead of our EPCR Challenge Cup game against the 

Lions, so there is every chance my opinion is coloured by all the 

inherent biases associated with making such an incredible trip. 

I realise most supporters will not enjoy such good fortune, and the 

nearest they may come is enjoying a packet of biltong while they 

watch the match from the comfort of their armchair. 

For a tournament with a tradition of great away days around Europe 

it is a valid concern, but this year’s format takes the Falcons to 

Perpignan next month with the potential of additional continental 

forays should we make the knockout rounds. 

South African sides are now well established in the URC and are in 

their second season of European competition, with some notable 

scalps to their name. 

It makes sense from a time zone and TV perspective, although the 

feedback in Joburg last week was that the four SA franchises would 

rather not compete with cricket and scorching weather during the 

December and January window. 

The much-mooted ‘global season’ would square that circle, should it 

ever come to pass, and the other major consideration is team travel. 

With tonight’s Gallagher Premiership game against Bristol in mind the 

Falcons left a core of players and senior coaches on Tyneside rather 

than taking them to Ellis Park – a decision which seemed vindicated by 

the cancellation of Sunday’s return flight back to the UK. 

The ensuing logistical issues meant an extra night in Johannesburg 

and a 30-hour travel back to Tyneside via Cape Town and Heathrow, 

meaning the travelling party did not return to English shores until 

Tuesday morning. 

Flight cancellations happen and it’s hard to see a solution which would 

eradicate the impact of such long journeys, but maybe that’s just a 

pill we have to swallow when we look at the many benefits of their 

inclusion in the European competitions. 

Having our players exposed to a different rugby culture – from the 

country which provided the world champions, no less – brings many 

obvious benefits. 

Those of us who were fortunate enough to make the trip can talk 

about a real bucket-list experience visiting some of the planet’s iconic 

rugby venues, and all the associated off-field adventures. 

We’re now two years into the experiment and it’s hard to see it 

changing whilst South African teams are so embedded to the URC. 

It will continue to pose sporting and organisational challenges when so 

much distance and expenditure is involved, but for me it comes down 

to one simple question. 

Do South African teams add to the spectacle and standard of 

European rugby? 

The answer, from my admittedly biased and fortunate position of 

having going over there, is an unequivocal yes. 

FROM THE PRESS BOX - WITH MARK SMITH 

57

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IN OPPOSITION 

BRISTOL BEARS 

NICKNAME 

Bears, Bris 

FOUNDED 

1888 

HOME GROUND 

Ashton Gate Stadium 

DIRECTOR OF RUGBY 

Pat Lam 

CAPTAIN 

Fitz Harding 

Bristol Bears come into this evening’s game placed eighth in 

the Gallagher Premiership table, having won three of their 

eight games in the competition. 

Former Falcon Pat Lam remains in charge of the West Country 

outfit, with Newcastle’s title-winning back-rower in his seventh 

season at the Ashton Gate helm. 

A relatively busy summer in the transfer market has seen a 

host of new arrivals through the door, with former Falcons head 

coach Dave Walder joining as backs and attack coach. 

He helps oversee a playing staff which includes England wing 

Max Malins, who is joined by Fijian back Kalaveti Ravouvou. 

Centre Benhard Janse van Rensburg is a top-quality pick-up 

following London Irish’s disappearance from the division, with 

France powerhouse Virimi Vakatawa coming out of retirement 

to form a power-packed centre pairing. 

Ex-Newcastle flanker Santiago Grondona signed in the summer 

but sadly suffered another serious ACL injury to his knee during 

the Rugby World Cup warm-ups, with veteran Connacht scrumhalf 

Kieran Marmion also joining the club. 

Ex-Wasps hooker Gabriel Oghre arrived after a stint in 

Bordeaux, while the demise of Jersey Reds saw Sam 

Grahamslaw snapped up on a short-term deal. 

The influx was needed after a summer which saw a host of key 

departures, not least Fiji centre Semi Radrada and Tonga fullback 

Charles Piutau. Scrum-half Will Porter left for Harlequins, 

scrum-half Andy Uren set sail for Treviso and Ioan Lloyd headed 

to Scarlets, with lock John Hawkins joining Newcastle via 

Jersey. 

The Premiership Rugby Cup campaign brought mixed results 

for Lam’s Bears, with a young side on the end of a 75-0 

thumping at Exeter Chiefs. 

They followed that up by losing 28-12 at home to Championship 

side Ealing Trailfinders, but they bounced back and won the 

remaining three of their games. 

An Ashton Gate thriller saw a 39-38 victory over Northampton 

Saints, and there were 98 points scored in their 57-41 away 

win at Doncaster before a 98-14 home drubbing of Cambridge 

ended their campaign. 

ABOVE 

SCRUM-HALF 

HARRY RANDALL 

LEFT 

CENTRE 

BENHARD JANSE VAN 

RENSBURG 

The league season began in fine style with a televised home 

victory over Leicester Tigers (25-14), and they followed that up 

by winning 33-27 away at Northampton. 

A losing bonus point arrived from their 23-21 home loss to 

Harlequins, and their bonfire-night trip to Exeter Chiefs saw 

them beaten 29-20. 

Sale Sharks claimed a 27-13 victory in the West Country before 

derby rivals Bath snuck a 20-19 triumph at The Rec – Bristol 

showing plenty of fight in their trip to Saracens but ultimately 

losing 39-31. 

Their last league game got the home fires burning as they 

thumped Gloucester 51-26 at Ashton Gate, while a fortnight in 

Europe saw double French as they beat Lyon at home with a 

last-minute drop-goal (36-34) before a heavily-rotated line-up 

fell 36-17 at Bordeaux-Begles last Saturday. 

IN OPPOSITION - BRISTOL BEARS 

63

CALLUM SHEEDY 

fly-half 

FITZ HARDING 

Back-row 

VIRIMI VAKATAWA 

CENTRE/wing 

THREE TO 

WATCH 

DIRECTOR OF RUGBY 

PAT LAM 

Bristol boss Pat Lam needs no introduction to Newcastle Falcons 

supporters, having spent two spells as a player at Kingston Park. Part 

of the Falcons squad which claimed the 1997-8 Premiership title at the 

first attempt, Lam transferred to Northampton Saints, with whom he 

won the 1999-2000 Heineken Cup. 

Playing a non-cap tour game for New Zealand in 1991, Lam opted to play 

full international rugby for Samoa, winning 34 caps and playing in three 

Rugby World Cups Coaching Auckland and the Blues in New Zealand 

following his retirement as a player, Lam led Irish province Connacht to 

the URC title in 2015-16 before joining Bristol, with whom he is now in 

his ‘seventh’ season. 

The 28-year-old fly-half has been capped 16 times by Wales 

and has played more than a century of games for Bristol 

Bears. 

The academy graduate made his Bears breakthrough during 

the 2014-15 Championship season, helping the club get 

promoted into the top flight, with the former Millfield School 

captain becoming a mainstay of the Bristol back-line. 

Making his Wales debut during the 2020-21 campaign, during 

which he played 12 tests, Sheedy has this season become 

renowned for a string of cross-field kicks which have resulted 

in tries for back-three colleague Rich Lane. 

Back-row forward Harding assumed the Bristol captaincy this 

season at the age of just 24, following a string of impressive 

performances. 

Rising to prominence during his time at Durham University, 

Harding is already past the 50-appearance mark for the 

Ashton Gate outfit, having helped Durham to the BUCS Super 

Rugby title during his rise to the pro ranks. 

The French international was a shock signing during the 

summer, having previously retired from the game on medical 

grounds. 

Now aged 31 and with 32 French test caps to his name, 

Vakatawa was born in New Zealand and moved to Fiji as a child 

before relocating to France. 

Joining Racing 92 in Paris, the powerhouse represented France 

at 7s and played more than 100 games for the star-studded 

Racing side, becoming a mainstay of the France midfield 

before medical issues prompted his temporary retirement. 

IN OPPOSITION - BRISTOL BREARS 

67

PARTNERS 

& Sponsors 

NEWCASTLE FALCONS 

2023-24 HOSPITALITY 

PACKAGES 

Discover 

SCAN TO FIND OUT MORE 

We have several great packages available including 

everything from a full five course meal or a cook to 

order pod to delicious street food there’s something 

for everyone to enjoy at our match days with pricing 

starting from £65 plus VAT per adult and £35 plus VAT per 

U18. Scan the QR or visit www.newcastlefalcons.co.uk/ 

tickets-and-hospitality/hospitality to find out more. 

All our hospitality bookings are handled by our commercial 

team. To book or request additional details please contact 

the team by emailing 

corporatesales@newcastle-falcons.co.uk 

or call them on 0191 214 2892. 

SEASONAL 

Hospitality 

KINETIC PROPERTIES | MACRON | MY NAME’5 DODDIE | 0800 REPAIR | OAKES ENERGY 

JACK & JONQUIL STEWART | KEVIN & MARGIE WILSON | WADE BROWN | BORDERSTONE QUARRIES 

LOCKERBIE FAMILY | THE KNOWLEDGE SPIRAL LTD | IVANHOE FORGE LTD | RAILVIEW | NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY 

GEOFF & MARIE PENRICE | STELRAD | COUNTRYSIDE CIVIL ENGINEERING | SINTONS | FERGUSONS TRANSPORT 

KAI WHITING | TONY FLYNN | DH1 WATER SERVICES | CATERPILLAR PETERLEE | MERCURY ORTHOPAEDICS 

LONGSCAR MARINE CONSULTANTS | IAIN VARAH

SEPTEMBER TEAM 

OF THE MONTH – 

ASHINGTON WOMEN 

After the folding of the Thornton Hickeys League in season 

2022/23, Ashington Women’s Touch Rugby Team took the 

lead in creating the Women’s Touch League North. 

35 points across those fixtures and finding themselves at the 

top of the Northumberland Aln League. 

Team manager Sarah Yule and co-captain Suzanne Collins 

contacted all local teams from Alnwick to Darlington to try 

and grow the women’s game, and now have a league of four 

competitive touch teams playing bi-weekly. 

Sarah organises all fixtures for the league and regularly 

arranges friendly matches, having played Rockliff Roses twice 

this season, Northumbria University and Ponteland. On top of 

that they have organised four tournaments in the spring and 

summer, hoping to generate more interest in the game. 

Some of the women’s team have also played competitively for 

the mixed touch team at Ashington and made it through to the 

Regional trials at Stockton. 

OCTOBER TEAM 


ASHINGTON 2ND XV 

Ashington 2nd XV (Pirates) had a great start to the 2023-24 

campaign in Northumberland ALN League, playing and winning 

all seven games at the time of the nomination, only conceding 

35 points across those fixtures and finding themselves at the 

top of the Northumberland Aln League. 

NOVEMBER TEAM 


WHITLEY BAY 

ROCKLIFF 

Ashington 2nd XV (Pirates) had a great start to the 2023-24 

campaign in Northumberland ALN League, playing and winning 

all seven games at the time of the nomination, only conceding 

ALBERT’S XV TAKE 

ON REST OF THE 

WORLD 

On Saturday December 23 Ashington Joint Welfare Rugby Club 

will host a charity rugby match played in aid of Dementia UK. 

It’s estimated that over one million people in the UK will have a 

diagnosis of dementia by 2025, and almost all of us will know 

someone living with the condition. 

Long-standing clubman, former player and club secretary 

Albert Armstrong was diagnosed with the condition earlier this 

year. 

To raise funds and increase awareness the club is asking for 

anyone who wants to participate in the match, hosted by 

Albert and his family, for a contribution of £5 per head to go to 

Dementia UK. 

Kick-off is at 1pm and as an added attraction there will be live 

commentary of the match from BBC Radio Newcastle’s Dean 

Gray and co-commentator for the day, VP Ian Storey. The match 

will be followed by fundraising, catering and no doubt a beer or 

two over reminiscing of games of yesteryear. 

For more information or details how you can get involved or to 

sponsor, email ashingtonrfc@gmail.com. 

NORTHUMBERLAND RUGBY UNION 

71

arbour.com 

GIMME 

FIVE! 

Our quickfire Q&A puts a Newcastle Falcons player 

under the spotlight, getting to know them on and off 

the field. 

This week it’s the turn of Cameron Hutchison, the 

centre who joined in the summer from Edinburgh. 

Pre-match music? 

Country or Taylor Swift. 

Cheat meal? 

Curry, sushi or Nandos. 

Pre-match music? 

I like to listen to Argentinian music – a playlist with a mix 

of pop, rock, cumbia and cuarteto. 

Cheat meal? 

Definitely Argentinian BBQ!. 

Hobbies? 

Golf or walking the dogs. 

Ideal holiday destination? 

Anywhere sunny with a nice beach. 

Rugby hero? 

Doddie Weir. 

GIMMIE FIVE! - CAMERON HUTCHISON 

73

SUSTAINABILITY AT NEWCASTLE RUGBY LIMITED: 

Championing the Future of Sport and the Planet 

Another team 

you can count on 

Nuffield Health Newcastle Hospital 

At Newcastle Rugby Limited, we are committed to driving sustainability in the world of 

sports and entertainment. Our vision extends beyond the thrill of the game, focusing 

on the long-term well-being of our planet, our community, and future generations. 

Here are our key messages on sustainability: 

1. Greening the Game: 

We are actively reducing our carbon footprint through energy-efficient 

technologies and renewable energy sources. From LED floodlighting to future 

planning for solar panels, we’re dedicated to minimising our impact on the 

environment. 

2. Waste Reduction: 

We’re tackling waste head-on by implementing recycling programs, reducing 

single-use plastics, and encouraging fans to join us on our journey. Together, 

we aim to create a cleaner, greener stadium experience. 

3. Food Waste: 

We have reduced our food waste and all our products are UK sourced. 

Ultimately, locally sourced food products policy reflects a commitment to 

fostering local economies, reducing environmental impact, and providing 

consumers with fresh and high-quality food options. It can also be tailored 

to the specific goals and circumstances of the organisation or community 

implementing it. 

4. Biodiversity and Green Spaces: 

Our stadium isn’t just a venue; it’s a hub for nature. We’re nurturing green 

spaces around the stadium, creating habitats for local wildlife, and enhancing 

the overall quality of life in our neighbourhood. 

5. Inclusivity and Accessibility: 

We’re ensuring everyone can enjoy the excitement of our games by prioritising 

accessibility and inclusivity in our stadium design. From accessible seating to 

quiet break out spaces, we’re fostering an inclusive fan experience. 

We’ve been providing outstanding private healthcare to people in the 

North East for over 40 years. You can trust our team of dedicated experts 

who offer a wide range of treatments including: 

• Hip and knee surgery 

• Joint preservation surgery 

• Cataract surgery 

• Neck and spinal surgery 

• Men’s health – bladder and prostate 

• Women’s health – breast screening. 

To find out more call 0808 149 3239 

or visit nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals/newcastle-upon-tyne 

6. Future-Proofing Sport 

Sustainability isn’t just a trend; it’s the future of sports and entertainment. 

By adopting eco-friendly practices, we’re safeguarding the longevity of our 

stadium and the sports we all love. 

7. Inspiring Change: 

Our Stadium is more than a venue; it’s a platform for positive change. We’re 

committed to inspiring fans, partners, and the sports industry to embrace 

sustainability and make a lasting impact. 

Join us on this exciting journey towards a more sustainable future. Together, we can 

make every game a win for both our teams and the planet. Newcastle Rugby Limited: 

Where Passion Meets Sustainability.

QUIZ 

Test your knowledge on all 

things rugby with our ten-question 

teaser. Answers are upside 

down at the bottom of the page. 

Q1 With which club did Bristol Bears boss 

Pat Lam win the European Champions Cup 

as a player? 

Q2 Which former Bristol Bears forward 

joined Newcastle Falcons from Jersey 

Reds during the early part of this season? 

Q3 Which former Newcastle Falcons and 

Bristol scrum-half is pictured here? 

Q6 Bristol captain Fitz Harding attended 

which North-East university? 

Q7 True or false, Bristol coach and former 

Falcon Dave Walder captained England 

Schools at cricket? 

Q8 In what year were Bristol Bears 

promoted back into the Gallagher 

Premiership? 

Q9 Which Newcastle Falcons player is 

pictured here? 

Q4 Which famous Welsh club used to play 

their home games at Stradey Park? 

Q5 Which country do England open their 

Six Nations account against on February 

3? 

Q10 ‘Bands Where’ is an anagram of 

which Newcastle Falcons player’s name? 

QUIZ 

76 

ANSWERS:1 Northampton Saints, 2 John Hawkins, 3 James Grindal, 4 Llanelli, 5 Italy, 6 Durham, 7 True, 8 2018, 9 Rory 

Jennings, 10 Ben Redshaw.

TONIGHT 

BELOW 

NEWCASTLE FALCONS’ 

Callum Chick 

TOMORROW 

BELOW 

EXETER CHIEFS’ 

HENRY SLADE 

BELOW 

BATH WINGER 

WILL MUIR 

GALLAGHER 

PREMIERSHIP 

PREVIEWS 

BELOW 

SALE SHARKS’ 

DAN DU PREEZ 

BELOW 

GLOUCESTER’S ARGENTINA INTERNATIONAL 

SANTIAGO CARRERAS 

NEWCASTLE FALCONS 

V BRISTOL BEARS 

EXETER CHIEFS 

V LEICESTER TIGERS 

BATH RUGBY 

V HARLEQUINS 

Bristol Bears’ five-game losing streak 

in Gallagher Premiership Rugby ended 

with their 51-26 victory over Gloucester 

at Ashton Gate in Round 8. 

The Bears’ only away win in Premiership 

Rugby this season came at Northampton 

in Round 2. The last four encounters 

between the two clubs have all been 

won by the home side on the day, 

whilst Bristol’s most recent victory at 

Kingston Park was 34-17 behind closed 

doors in April 2021. 

SALE SHARKS 

V SARACENS 

Sale Sharks’ four-game winning run 


with their 3-36 loss at Harlequins in 

Round 8. Sale have won their last 11 

home games in Premiership Rugby 

since Harlequins beat them at Salford 

City Stadium in October 2022. 

Saracens’ five-game winning streak 


with their 12-18 home defeat to Northampton 

in Round 8. Saracens have won 

their last three away games in Premiership 

Rugby since their heavy defeat at 

Exeter on the opening weekend. 

Exeter Chiefs slipped up 24-41 at Bath in 

Round 8 of Gallagher Premiership Rugby 

and have not lost successive matches 

in the competition since April. The 

Chiefs are unbeaten in any competition 

at Sandy Park since Saracens won there 

22-20 in Premiership Rugby in October 

2022. 

Leicester Tigers have won their last 

five matches in all competitions 

since Harlequins beat them 29-25 at 

Mattioli Woods Welford Round in Round 

5 of Gallagher Premiership Rugby. The 

Tigers have won three of their last four 

fixtures against the Chiefs, whilst their 

only victory at Sandy Park since 2014 

was 22-17 in March 2022. 

GLOUCESTER RUGBY V 

NORTHAMPTON SAINTS 

Gloucester have slipped to six successive 

defeats in Gallagher Premiership 

Rugby. The Cherry and Whites’ only 

win in their last seven home games in 

Premiership Rugby was by a solitary 

point over Harlequins in Round 1 this 

season whilst they have not lost four in 

succession at the venue in the competition 

since 2016. 

Northampton Saints’ only defeat in their 

last eight first team matches was 17-26 

at Leicester in Round 6 of Gallagher 

Premiership Rugby. The Saints have 

won twice away from home in Premiership 

Rugby this campaign, beating 

Newcastle in Round 3 and Saracens in 

Round 8. The last four fixtures between 

the two clubs have all been won by the 

home side. 

Bath Rugby‘s only defeat in their last 

six first team matches was 9-11 at Sale 

in Round 7 of 

Gallagher Premiership Rugby. Bath have 

lost only once at the Recreation Ground 

in Premiership Rugby since February 

and that was by a single point to Leicester 

in Round 3. 

Harlequins have lost just twice in 

Gallagher Premiership Rugby since the 

opening round, at home to Saracens in 

Round 6 and at Northampton in Round 7. 

Harlequins have won three of their last 

four away games in all tournaments. 

The last four fixtures between the two 

clubs have been evenly split with two 

wins each. Quins have won on three 

of their last five visits to the Rec in 

Premiership Rugby. 

GALLAGHER PREMIERSHIP PREVIEWS 

79

Photo from The Gallagher Premiership Rugby Final 2023 

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Newcastle Falcons vs Bristol Bears Programme

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