Newcastle Falcons' future in limbo as losses prompt recruitment freeze

Yesterday at 11:38 AM

• Steve Diamond says bailout won't keep Falcons alive
• Ealing and Coventry fail to meet promotion criteria

The survival of Newcastle Falcons as a professional rugby team will require more than just a one-off £4m bailout from the remaining nine Premiership clubs, according to a senior Falcons employee. Steve Diamond, their director of rugby, has confirmed Newcastle may have to negotiate a potential short-term loan to participate in next season's Premiership, raising fresh doubts about the club's longer-term viability.

Diamond has already been forced to put a freeze on player recruitment for next season following confirmation the Falcons have been discussing a possible central loan if they fail to secure fresh investment between now and mid-June. Their longtime backer Semore Kurdi has been actively seeking a buyer for the club since last year.