Newcastle

We caught up with TRU’s Max Ashcroft to discuss the forthcoming rugby season. Max is starting his second season with National 2 side, Sedgley Park Tigers and his final year at Man Met University.

Last season was always going to be one of consolidation for Newcastle, and although their safety wasn’t guaranteed until the penultimate round of fixtures, they retained their top-flight status.

Newcastle have announced the reappointment of back-row forward Will Welch as club captain.

Tonga lock Uili Kolo'ofai has signed a two-year contract with Newcastle, switching from French club Colomiers.

Bath have signed Newcastle prop Grant Shiells ahead of the new Aviva Premiership season.

Premiership champions Northampton Saints have signed Newcastle Falcons half-back Joel Hodgson.

Rotherham Titans are delighted to announce a link-up with Premiership side Newcastle Falcons, which will see four Falcons Academy players arrive at Clifton Lane for the full 2014/15 Championship campaign.

“…There’s 35 seconds to go, this is the one… it’s coming back for Jonny Wilkinson; he drops for World Cup glory… “It’s up, it’s over, he’s done it! Jonny Wilkinson is England’s hero, yet again… England have just won the World Cup.”

Newcastle have announced the signing of Italy international lock Josh Furno from Biarritz.

Former England forwards specialist John Wells will step up to the role of head coach with Aviva Premiership club Newcastle next season.

Brothers Alesana and Anitelea Tuilagi have agreed two-year deals to join Newcastle Falcons next season.

Aviva Premiership leaders Saracens claimed a 23-18 victory over Newcastle at Kingston Park with the home side snatching a vital bonus point in their battle against relegation.

London Irish scored six tries as they demolished a poor Newcastle side 40-12 at the Madejski Stadium in a one-sided Aviva Premiership clash.

Head coach Peter Russell is to leave Aviva Premiership club Newcastle at the end of the season due to personal reasons.

Worcester gave themselves a fighting chance in their relegation battle by ending a 22-match Aviva Premiership losing run with a hard-fought 17-12 victory over fellow strugglers Newcastle at Kingston Park.

Leeds Carnegie have announced the signing of scrum half Chris Pilgrim, 28, and centre James Fitzpatrick, 26, on two year contracts from the 2014-15 season onwards from Aviva Premiership side Newcastle Falcons.

Newcastle prop Kieran Brookes has been handed a six-week ban for pushing referee Greg Garner during Sunday's Aviva Premiership match against Leicester.

Leicester maintained their grip on fourth place in the Aviva Premiership with a bonus-point 41-18 win over Newcastle at Kingston Park.

Northampton Saints continued their winning run as full back James Wilson scored two first half tries against Newcastle Falcons in their Aviva Premiership clash at Kingston Park.

Two late penalties from Ben Botica gave Harlequins a scarcely-deserved Aviva Premiership win over lowly Newcastle at the Stoop.