Challenge is to stay unbeaten, says Radwan

ADAM Radwan insists Newcastle Falcons are motivated by a desire to maintain their unbeaten run during tomorrow’s European Challenge Cup visit of Russian champions Enisei-STM.

The 3.00 kick-off at Kingston Park sees the Falcons looking to build on their position at the top of Pool One, the five group winners and three best runners-up going through to the quarter-finals.

Twenty-year-old winger Radwan, who has scored seven tries in his six games this season, said: “We have worked hard in both cups but we know it is not done yet and we need to maintain our unbeaten record.

“We are not taking anyone lightly, we are preparing properly hopefully we can put Enisei to the sword.

“We have picked a good side which has very experienced players and some younger guys too - and we are taking it seriously.

“We have not lost a cup game this season and that record does matter to the boys, so Sunday is a must-win game because we do not want to lose our unbeaten tag.”

Refusing to underestimate the challenge tomorrow despite the Russian champions having lost all of their games in this season’s Challenge Cup, Radwan added: “Regardless of how Enisei have gone so far we will not be taking our foot off the gas - and they are a team who have beaten us before.

“If the guys upfront can provide us with a platform we believe we have the firepower to hurt them but it will not just fall into our laps.

“We have to go at them, create the space and take our chances when they come.

“Cup rugby is what I live and breathe and I have really enjoyed it so far this season.

“These are the games where I get to show what I am all about, help the team to keep winning and as a group we are all buzzing.”

Radwan has just agreed a new contract extension, having lit up the cups this season with his deadly finishing.

He said: “As soon as I signed for this season my goal was to win another contract for the Falcons and I am delighted to have agreed another two years.

“Things are going well but I am not done yet - I am learning all the time. You never want to be comfortable, you are always learning and I have great role models here every day.”

Tickets for tomorrow’s game are available by calling 0871 226 6060.