Falcons prove gap can still be bridged

RE Stephen Rodgers

letter titled Gap between top tiers getting wider.

He states that since Exeter in 2010 no other Championship side have been able to complete at the highest level.

You have to look at Newcastle Falcons this season. They have competed in every game and have an outside shot at a top six finish.

The teams who come up should not break the bank or spend what they don’t have (look at London Welsh), they need a minimum of two seasons of stability and then push on for mid-table and, ultimately, Champions Cup.

Dean Richards came in with a five-year plan of self-sustainability and now at year four the Falcons are baring the fruits of their labour.

Any Championship side would do well to look at both Exeter and Falcons model of how to survive in the big leagues. Scott Hartley via email