“The players train with us all week but we cannot always give them the necessary game time, even allowing for Guinness A League fixtures. This does not mean the players aren’t in consideration for our first team, we watch them every day in training and they will get a fair crack of the whip, but it just means they have guaranteed game time to keep them match sharp throughout the year.

“We are fortunate enough to have a number of excellent local clubs within the north-east who can offer game time to these lads, and the partnerships have an obvious benefit to these clubs as well because they are getting some outstanding young players to represent them.”

Among the Falcons players turning out for local clubs are a number with first team experience, including wing Tim Visser, hookers Rob Vickers and Ross Batty, fly half Gavin Beasley, No.8 Greg Irvin and centre Adam Dehaty.

In addition the Falcons also have players situated further afield at Cornish Pirates, Doncaster, Oxford University and Loughborough University.

NEWCASTLE FALCONS PLAYERS WITH CLUBS FOR 2007/8 SEASON:

Darlington Mowden Park: Alex Tait (centre), Robbie Kalbraier (prop), Tim Visser (wing), Ross Batty (hooker), Scott Riddell (flanker), Aaron Myers (flanker).

Blaydon: Adam Dehaty (centre), James Hamer (wing), Ralph Smith (fullback).

Tynedale: Rob Vickers (hooker), Ben Marshall (lock), Micky Young (scrum half), Rob Miller (fly half), Ross Samson (scrum half), Jack Harrison (centre), Greg Irvin (No.8), Stuart Walker (lock), Graeme Dunn (lock), Gavin Beasley (fly half), Grant Beasley (flanker), Mark Laycock (centre), Rupert Harden (prop), Tim Swinson (lock).

Oxford University: Oliver Tomazszcyk (prop).

Loughborough University: Paddy Dias (centre).

Doncaster season loan: Sean Tomes (lock).

Cornish Pirates three-month loan: Eni Gesinde (flanker), Ed Williamson (flanker), Johnny Williams (prop).

TBC: Phil Dawson (flanker)