It’s been confirmed that four key Newcastle Falcons players have been released following Dean Richards departure, including three internationals.
Louis Schreuder (Bath), Will Haydon-Wood (Wasps) and Robbie Smith (Northampton Saints) are also leaving the clubfor pastures new.
Head coach Dave Walder said: “Dean has been a big presence around the club for a long time now, and a huge influence on my own coaching career.
“He took a punt on me when he first brought me in to the club, and he’s helped me a lot. He challenges you every day, he makes you think about things from different perspectives and I’ll always be grateful for the role he has played.”
Here we look at the big names who have been let go.
#1. Mike Brown
Brown, 36, joined Newcastle last summer after he was released by Harlequins, the club he had spent all 16 years of his professional career representing.
However, the Falcons opted not to take up the option of an extra year in his ‘one plus one’ contract, despite previous suggestions from Richards in November that the club were keen to keep him for the 2022/23 campaign.
Sale Sharks, Worcester Warriors and Ealing Trailfinders are all interested in the former England fullback.
