New-look Falcons seek to step up to the plate

MARK Laycock says Newcastle Falcons’ players and coaches will enjoy the chance to step up a level this afternoon when they host Exeter Chiefs in the Premiership Rugby Cup.

The 3.00 Kingston Park kick-off sees the Falcons freshening their line-up following back-to-back victories in Europe, also promoting their coaches as academy manager Mark Laycock and academy head coach James Ponton take charge of the side.

Laycock said: “It is exciting for myself and Jimmy to step up during these cup weeks when we take on more of a senior role and it is great as a coach to know you have that opportunity.

“It is a chance for us to put into practice some of the things we have been learning from our senior coaches Dave Walder, Micky Ward and John Wells and for the players it is a slightly different voice to freshen things up a bit.”

The club has been buoyant following last weekend’s stoppage-time winner against French giants Montpellier, Laycock adding: “I have been at this club long enough to know you will have moments where everyone is riding the crest of a wave - and also moments when you cannot buy a win.

“You just need to keep a level head no matter which side of that equation you are on but the feeling this week has been really good and training has been energetic.”

Taking charge of a side which includes a number of the players who have helped the Falcons to the top of their Premiership Rugby Shield conference, the Newcastle line-up draws heavily upon graduates from their renowned academy.

Laycock said: “Seeing guys like Tom Penny and the journey he has been through, coming here as a teenager and going on to start in big Champions Cup games – that is what it is all about.

“Seeing those guys put in the hard work over a lot of years and then go on to get the fruits of their labour, it gives Falcons’ academy manager Mark Laycock you a great feeling as an academy manager and a coach.

“There was a photo I saw at the end of the Montpellier game last week of Callum Chick scoring his winning try and on his shoulders were George McGuigan and Adam Brocklebank, all who have come through our system.

“Thirteen of our match-day squad that day were academy graduates, which shows the direction we are taking - and we want to promote from within.

“The Premiership Rugby Cup is an important part of that process and long may it continue.”

Welcoming back a few senior players, Laycock added: “Sam Lockwood coming back from injury is great and there are a few boys in a similar boat.

“It is healthy for us to have a few of those senior boys making their way back to fitness and there is a good balance to the team with a few of our younger boys mixed in.

“Those guys have held their hands up in the Premiership Rugby Shield in helping us to the top of our conference and we are looking forward to seeing them having their chance for the senior side.”

Tickets for the game are still available from Kingston Park Stadium.