Deano has pop after prop crisis

NEWCASTLE boss Dean Richards accused European Cup organisers of disregarding player welfare in Friday’s 31-13 Champions Cup defeat at Edinburgh.

Following a front row injury crisis, European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) rejected Falcons’ request to register an extra tighthead prop.

Newcastle fielded loosehead Sam Lockwood on the wrong side of the scrum with no cover at tighthead.

“You would expect common sense to prevail,” Richards said. “If that’s the stance they want to make and player welfare doesn’t mean that much to them, then so be it.”

Richards added: “You lose three tighthead props in 24 hours, you ask for dispensation to bring in another one and you’re not allowed so you have to play a loosehead on the tight.

“It’s not like playing a left wing on the right wing or an inside centre at outside centre. There is a safety issue there and they weren’t prepared to address it, so I was particularly disappointed.”