Newcastle Falcons vs Sale Sharks Match-Day Programme

With northern rugby in the spotlight this weekend, Newcastle Falcons starlet Ben Redshaw
appreciates the importance of making it a truly national sport.
Born in Leeds, schooled in Sedbergh and with his squad
hosting Sale Sharks this weekend, the 19-year-old says:
“It’s vital for rugby in England that there’s a big presence
in the north, because you don’t want it just being the
preserve of the south and the Midlands. I don’t think
some people down there realise the passion that exists
for rugby in the north, and it’s something that needs to
thrive.
“Sale were in the Premiership final last season, there are
loads of top players from the north and the grass roots
clubs and schools in our region do a great job. I know
Newcastle and Sale are working really hard to grow their
crowds, and the support they already get makes it a great
atmosphere on match days. Hopefully this game can be
a bit of a showcase for rugby in the region, and we want
to get a win just to thank our fans for sticking with us.”
Part of the Newcastle side which endured a chastening
afternoon in Bristol last Sunday, Redshaw points to the
Falcons’ positive record against today’s visitors, having
won two out of their three meetings this term.
“The Sale game will be really exciting, especially thinking
of the three games we’ve had against them this season,”
he says.
“We enjoyed a good home win against Sale in the Prem
Cup at the start of the season, we got a four-try bonus
point away against them in the Premiership, which was
one of our better performances this season, and then
we beat them over there in a friendly game a month or
so ago. We’ve been really competitive in all the games
we’ve played against them, and I think here at Kingston
Park this weekend we’ve got every right to really go
after them and get that win on the board. It’s a massive
opportunity for us.”
Redshaw’s rise has been a remarkable one, with
the understated Yorkshireman in his first year as a
professional after coming through the ranks at the
famed rugby breeding ground of Sedbergh School.
“My main introduction was through my dad, who got me
into a lot of different sports,” he says.
“I’d do rugby union, rugby league, football, athletics and
things like that. I think having an involvement in a few
BEN
REDSHAW
PLAYER INTERVEIW - BEN REDSHAW
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