Trip to America will help Falcons cash in for years says Hogan

NEWCASTLE Falcons managing director Mick Hogan has defended the club’s decision to take their Premiership clash with Saracens to Philadelphia and insists the venture is key to them challenging for top honours.

“It wasn’t a decision we took lightly,” said Hogan on the eve of the match being played later last night.

“The fans pay a lot of money for their season tickets and they want to see as many games as possible at Kingston Park.

“We still have another 15 games at Kingston Park and we were very up front with the supporters. Not only have we explained the vision of Premiership Rugby and the opportunities that we think exist in the USA but also the commercial factor as well.

“We will earn more money from taking the game away from Kingston Park than we would have by keeping it there.”

Hogan insists the move is already benefitting the Falcons and helped fuel the recruitment of big name players like Toby Flood.

“There is a belief, among some fans, that clubs can make huge losses and someone takes care of the financial side of things.

“Unfortunately that is not so and we have to make a business case, as do most rugby clubs. This game offered a decent return, more so than Kingston Park, and that provides money we can invest back into the ground as we’ve done with big screens, PA systems and new bars which all add to the match day experience.

“But more importantly it allows us to invest in the team. This year that money has helped bring Toby Flood back to the club.”

Hogan also welcomed the increased attention provided by the first game of a four-year agreement between Premiership Rugby and AEG Rugby designed to showcase the league and nurture the sport in the United States.

“It gives us international exposure,” he said. “Rugby is going to grow in the States and we want to be at the forefront of that.”