LIST | Four superstars who almost signed for Newcastle Falcons

Newcastle Falcons had the opportunity to sign the Welshman in 2013 when his agent approached the club offering Henson's services on knock-down deal. However, after brief talks, their offer of signing him on £60k per season was not taken up, and he subsequently signed for London Welsh.

The England speedster was in advanced talks to join Newcastle Falcons in 2020 after being told he would face a serious paycut if he was going to stay with Leicester Tigers. However, his former club Gloucester then entered the race and May would ultimately return to Kingsholm.

Falcons announced in May 2004 that the Brumbies loose forward had signed on a two-year deal, believed to be worth £150,000 per season. However, the recently-capped Wallaby got cold feet and pulled out of the move claiming he’d only ever signed a letter of intent. Rob Andrew was adamant at the time that agreement to join the Falcons was binding.

The England and Leicester Tigers legend revealed on the 'Building Jerusalem' documentary that he was called by Newcastle Falcons and Richmond when the game went professional in 1996. Despite the Falcons, who were bank rolled by Sir John Hald, making big-money offer, the second-row was settled where he was and decided to remain in Leicester.