Our Ulster columnist @KristianRoss7 also has a fondness for a particular English club which he’d like to share
A year ago at this point, Newcastle Falcons were preparing for another Premiership season, following a nervy end to 2010/11. A win on the final day for Northampton against Leeds Carnegie ensure the Falcons would have another year playing in the top flight.
However a lot can happen in a year. The Falcons now prepare for 2012/13 in the second tier of English rugby the RFU Championship. It's fair to say the Falcons were not good enough last year. Poor results in the first half of the season saw the Falcons bottom of the table, with the board believing that unless a change was made, the Falcons may fall even further behind. So midway through the season Alan Tait was relieved of his duties and Gary Gold was installed as Director of Rugby until the end of the season. A fightback saw the Falcons need a bonus point win on the final day, five points needed not to finish bottom. It didn't start well. By half time the Falcons were 10-0 down. Impossible task? But the second half was better, far better James Fitzpatrick and loan signing from Munster, Peter Stringer crashing over plus the extras from Jimmy Gopperth gave the Falcons a 14-10 lead. It wasn't enough. It was a final day win, but no bonus point for the Falcons and another for Wasps meant the Falcons would finish at the foot of the table by a point.
The point that was very significant indeed. Eyes turned to the second tier, Bristol Rugby the only team eligible to be promoted due to ground criteria. But a storm was brewing. London Welsh said that if they won the playoffs they would apply to be promoted. And sure enough, in fairytale fashion for any Welsh fan, they beat the Cornish Pirates in the final. Having finished fourth in the second tier that year, London Welsh knew that if the RFU deemed them eligible for promotion the Falcons would drop. The RFU did not deem the Kassam Stadium appropriate and the Falcons seemed safe, very safe, already going out and making big name signings such as Rory Lawson. Welsh said they would they appeal and that they did. And all over again, the Falcons were nervous.
Then came judgement day. On the 28th June 2012, the legal appeal from Welsh was accepted and they were promoted to the Premiership meaning that for the first time the Falcons dropped into the second tier. It left a bitter taste in the Falcons mouth, having thought that they were safe. But rather than complain, they decided they would not appeal and would play their rugby in the RFU Championship.
With the Championship starting next month, things have changed at Kingston Park. Dean Richards installed as director of rugby following his three year ban due to Bloodgate. Many signings made, including a new fly half in Waisea Luveniyali, Rory Lawson as previously mentioned, and Carlo del Fava from Aironi. New kit sponsor, new team sponsor, and most importantly a new start. The Falcons have been good in pre season so far, good wins over Doncaster and Leeds as well as beating Edinburgh.
With just my other favourite team Ulster to play next week, the Falcons have improved from last season's performance, not as many gaps, not signs of last year when the ball just had to be spread wide by the opposition and the Falcons seemed to crumble. The key man for me at the Falcons, Jimmy Gopperth, my favourite Falcon, and the man who always gets the points. Others to watch include Samoan, Taiasina Tuifua and new number 8, Chris York. Falcons fans have accepted the marathon that is next season will need to get off to the best possible start. And as the season grows closer, the challenge for Dean Richards presents itself, can he take the Falcons straight back up?
I'm Kristian. 18. And my mind is filled with rugby shaped thoughts. Supporting Ulster Rugby, Newcastle Falcons and of course the mighty Ireland. Tommy Bowe is the MAN !!!! SUFTUM.
