Schreuder: Falcons have laid a strong foundation

LOUIS Schreuder believes Newcastle Falcons can ruffle some more high profile feathers in the new season... starting with champions Harlequins.

The South African scrumhalf spent his summer break exploring the UK with his family having chosen against returning home due to the ongoing Covid problems.

But now Schreuder, 31, is relishing his second season at Kingston Park and believes anyone underestimating Dean Richards’ men again are likely to regret it.

Quins travel to the North East next Sunday to start the defence of their title, and Schreuder says: “Squad-wise, if anything, I think we’re stronger than last year. We’ve kept the core of guys who are all a year older and have improved as a group, and then alongside that stability you’ve got a few quality additions.

“Adding key experienced players like Mike Brown can only be good for us, and I’m looking forward to seeing what the new boys can do. I’m sure Mike will be looking forward to facing his old team-mates in the first game. It will be a special occasion for him so soon after leaving. Hopefully, we can make sure it is a winning one.”

Schreuder joined Falcons a year ago having lifted the Currie Cup three times in South Africa before enjoying spells in Japan and France.

He says: “I was happy with my first season in England, and I’m keen to go again. We put in some strong performances towards the end of the season. All the boys would probably agree we should have finished higher up the table.

“It took me a few months to get used to the weather, the structures and the players around me at the Falcons. But I think we have put in place some pretty good foundations for this coming season.

“Playing rugby in the snow was certainly a new one for me, coming from South Africa, but things like that are always a great learning experience.

“This is my 10th or 11th preseason. Obviously not all players enjoy it, and in some teams it can be a time for a lot of mindless running and gym work, but the great thing at the Falcons is we’ve had the rugby ball out early.

“There’s a big difference between fitness and game fitness, and what I’m enjoying at Newcastle is the fact we’re putting a major focus on the latter.”