15 for 10: Newcastle Falcons - an all-decade XV
The latest in the RugbyPass 15 for 10 series takes a look at Newcastle Falcons, with the former Gallagher Premiership side currently top of the Greene King IPA Championship side and looking a strong bet to return to the top tier at first time of asking.
Like the previously profiled London Irish, it’s been a tumultuous decade for the Falcons having spent two seasons in the Championship as well as being in a perennial relegation battle with the likes of Irish, Worcester Warriors and Bristol Bears.
A highlight of the 2010s was finishing fourth in the 2017/18 season and qualifying for the playoffs – with a number of that side making our all-decade XV – although the club were swiftly brought back down to earth as they suffered relegation the following season.
- Alex Tait
A battle between two of Newcastle’s most productive homegrown players, we have Tait’s longevity and consistency at the club just edging out the livewire Simon Hammersley, now of Sale Sharks. The 31-year-old is closing in on 250 appearances for the side from the north-east and his versatility to cover across the back three has been invaluable.
- Vereniki Goneva
Some suggested that Goneva was passed his best when Newcastle signed him for Leicester Tigers, though he quickly proved them wrong upon arriving at Kingston Park. His scoring rate of 27 tries in 48 Premiership starts was even more prolific than his mark at Leicester and there is no doubt that he played one of the most pivotal roles in delivering a playoff appearance for Newcastle in 2018.
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- Chris Harris
A product of the thriving amateur club and university scene in the north-east, Harris spent five productive years with Newcastle before making the move to Gloucester this past summer. His performances for the Falcons drew the interest of Gregor Townsend and Scotland, for whom Harris currently has 14 caps.
- Juan Pablo Socino
An honourable mention for Adam Powell’s career swansong, though Socino was an architect of Newcastle’s brief rise from Premiership relegation candidates to a side that could beat any opponent on their day. The Argentine playmaker was sorely missed when he made the move to Edinburgh in 2018 and was arguably the most consistent midfield presence for the club since the days of Jamie Noon.
- Sinoti Sinoti
Goneva’s partner in crime, Sinoti has been raiding up and down Premiership wings for a number of years. His try rate is not as prolific of that of his Fijian colleague, but the Samoan frequently put his team into good situations by drawing and beating defenders, before making big gains and putting his side on the front foot.
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- Jimmy Gopperth
A strong case has been put forward by Joel Hodgson, though Gopperth’s consistency and unerring boot were particularly important in the early part of the decade following Toby Flood’s departure for Leicester. The New Zealander has gone on to shine for Leinster and Wasps and had he had a better side around him earlier in the decade up in the north-east, who knows how well Newcastle could have done?
- Sonatane Takulua
There is strong competition from stalwart Mickey Young and international Mike Blair, but neither can quite match the impact that Takulua has had. Like Goneva, Sinoti and Socino, Takulua was at the heart of that march up the table later in the decade and was a centrepiece of a side that was capable of beating anyone on their day. From lightning darts around the fringes to a reliable source of points from the boot, Takulua has been indispensable for Falcons.
- Rob Vickers
One of the most dedicated servants to Newcastle over the past decade, Vickers made over 250 appearances for the club in the front row, initially as a hooker before transitioning over to loosehead prop. A product of Durham University, Vickers is another example of the strong university links in the north-east profiting Falcons.
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- George McGuigan
McGuigan burst onto the scene as an impressive age-grade player with Ireland in the early part of the decade before going on to win the starting jersey at Newcastle and push for England representation. A two-season stint at Leicester didn’t pan out as he would have hoped, though he did win two England Saxons caps, and the hooker is now back at the centre of the Newcastle front row.
- Kieran Brookes
Brookes continues the theme of impressive young front rowers produced by Newcastle chancing their arm elsewhere, first with Leicester before subsequent moves to Northampton Saints and Wasps. Alongside those stints, however, were two with Newcastle, arguably where he has played the best rugby of his career. It was in that second stint with Falcons, too, that Brookes won the first of his 16 England caps.
- Tim Swinson
The Scotland lock joined up with Newcastle during his time at Newcastle University and went on to make 120 appearances for the former Premiership club before making the move to Glasgow Warriors in 2012. Those final couple of years with Newcastle were among his best and put him solidly in contention for Scotland caps, something which was likely influential in his decision to move north of the border.
- Dom Barrow
Like McGuigan and Brookes, Barrow shone as a youngster for Newcastle before deciding to make the move to the East Midlands and join Leicester. The abrasive second row was being talked about as a potential England lock during his two seasons with Newcastle and although his career has since changed trajectory, it does not diminish the influence he exerted in the north-east.
- Mark Wilson
In the conversation with Vickers for the most committed player to Falcons over the past decade, Wilson bucked the trend and showed everyone else at the club that if you play well enough, England will come calling. Deemed an ‘unfashionable’ club for international selection, Wilson’s consistency and physical play for the club was too much for Eddie Jones to resist and the flanker was a valuable member of the England squad that recently made it to the final of the World Cup.
- Will Welch
Gary Graham and Nili Latu both deserve honourable mentions here for their shorter-term impact. However, it is a relatively easy decision to go with Welch. He has gone stride for stride with Wilson in the Newcastle back row and although he hasn’t enjoyed the international recognition that Wilson has, his influence on the club has been every bit as significant.
- Allister Hogg
One of a number of Scottish internationals to call Newcastle home over the past decade, Hogg arguably surpassed them all in terms of his contribution to the club. He, Wilson and Welch formed a formidable back row for a number of years and though the fortunes of the team overall were largely on a lower ebb in that period, they were consistently able to go toe-to-toe with opposition sides in the back row.
WATCH: Jim Hamilton, Darren Cave and John Barclay discuss whether Conor Murray is still Ireland’s first-choice scrum-half
Comments on RugbyPass
Obscene that SA haven’t been knocking
1 Go to commentsChances of Blackadder being injured seem too high to give him serious consideration. ABs loosie combination finally looked good with 2 committed to tackling and clearing rucks in the centre and Ardie roaming. Hoskins/Ardie together would force one of them into where they don’t excel and don’t get to use their talent, or require a change in tactics. If we continue to evolve last years systems I would take Papali’i and Finau at 6 and 7 (conceding that Blackadder will be injured) and Ardie at 8.
15 Go to commentsArdie’s preferred position 7? Where do they get these writers from? I've no idea where he's playing in Japan, but the previous two seasons he wore the 7 jersey exactly twice.
17 Go to commentsNot good to hear Ulster described as “financially troubled”. Did not think it was getting to that level. I would hope the Irish system of spreading players of talent away from Leinster would kick in now. Better to have a Leinster fringe player with Ulster or Connacht, then getting only a few games a season in Dublin. 10, for example, would seem to be a case for spreading the talent. I would not be at all adverse to a SA man coming in as head coach/DR. Ludeke is worth trying. Certainly got a long and impressive coaching career at this level…..149 games in SR, then Japan, 30 years experience. And Ulster’s ledger of successful SA coaches and players is on the positive side. Is talk of Ruan Pienaar interested in coming back as a coach…..could be a good combination with Ludeke. And Pienaar and family would have no settling in to do, one would judge. He loved life in Ulster when there, by all reports.
1 Go to commentsSome thoughts to consider here, Sam. Thanks
2 Go to commentsI think he is right, SBW is respected in RSA. The guy who never stood up is a worm. Sseems lots of NZ SBW hate, you do the crime do the time.
11 Go to commentsAfter missing the curfew, the player was simply too “Shagged” to stand up.
11 Go to commentsVernier is probably the best 12 in the world though she has some English competition these days . I am nervous for England because it is unpredictable France and who knows which team will turn up, but they have not yet shown anything that should worry England, Saturday could be a different day. I would be more confident against the BFs.
1 Go to commentsWhat a difference Rodda and Carter made. Rodda has been out for ages but he is really the only world class lock in Australian rugby. Him, Carter and Beale made a huge difference on the weekend. If only they had a few decent props they’d be a much more dangerous team. Hamish Stewart was excellent last week as well. His carrying has improved significantly and has to be next in line after Paisami at 12 for the Wallabies. He’ll benefit hugely with Beale at fullback, there’s just no better communicator in Australian rugby than him and his experience will make a huge difference for the Force. No one sees space like Beale and he’s still sharp. I can see Force making a late charge into the top 8 if they can get some consistency.
2 Go to commentsRodda will be a walk up starter at lock. Frost if you analyse his dominance has little impact and he’s a long way from being physical enough, especially when you compare to Rodda and the work he does. He was quite poor at the World Cup in his lack of physicality. Between Rodda and Skelton we would have locks who can dominate the breakdown and in contact. Frost is maybe next but Schmidt might go for a more physical lock who does their core work better like Ryan or LSL. Swain is no chance unless there’s a load of injuries. Pollard hasn’t got the scrum ability yet to be considered. Nasser dominated him when they went toe to toe and really showed him up. Picking Skelton effects who can play 6 and 8. Ideally Valetini would play 6 as that’s his best position and Wilson at 8 but that’s not ideal for lineout success. Cale isn’t physical enough yet in contact and defence but is the best backrow lineout jumper followed by Wright, Hanigan and Swinton so unfortunately Valetini probably will start at 8 with Wright or Hanigan at 6. Wilson on the bench, he’s got too much quality not to be in the squad. Paisami is leading the way at 12 but Hamish Stewart is playing extremely well also and his ball carrying has improved significantly. Beale is also another option based on the weekend. Beale is class but he’s also the best communicator of any Australian backline player and that can’t be underestimated, he’ll be in the mix.
8 Go to commentsWhy do people keep on picking Ardie at 7 when he's a ball in hand 8? A modern 7 is the lead tackler and ruck clearer which isn't his strength.
15 Go to commentsSly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
1 Go to commentsA bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person. There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
11 Go to comments100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
2 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
2 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
8 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
8 Go to commentsYeah but who was it?
11 Go to commentsThink you might have written this just before the Brumbies got thrashed last weekend
8 Go to commentsI really do believe that Billy Proctor should be selected at least in the larger squad but also it would be my choice at 13, much more a center than Ioane who can still play at wing. Roigard if fit should play, otherwise it should be Perenara or Christie. Also, Iose could deserve a spot at blindside. Of course, being a Canes supporter I’m biased but I really believe that at least Billy P is deserving a chance and being Holland one of the Selectors, I’m having a little hope he could grab it.
15 Go to comments