"Money too tight" - Newcastle Falcons release four of their major stars

Wednesday, 22 June 2022 at 11:09

byRugby Rucker

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.

Mike Brown of Harlequins celebrates with the trophy on his final day as a Harlequin during the Gallagher Premiership Cup Final between Exeter Chiefs and Harlequins at Twickenham Stadium June 26, 2021 in London, England (Photo by Tom Sandberg/PPAUK

#2. Luther Burrell

Richards ended a spell of uncertainty that lasted around six weeks before the end of last season by informing Burrell that money was too tight.

“We were in April time,” Burrell revealed to The Telegraph. “There were only a handful of games left on this artificial pitch at Newcastle and I had all of this craziness running through my mind.

"I’ve never gone into a game thinking: ‘Don’t get injured’. It was a really difficult hurdle because it could have ruled me out or even cut down what money I could get if someone were to come in for me.”

Luther Burrell of Northampton Saints during the Gallagher Premiership Semi Final Rugby match between Exeter Chiefs and Northampton Saints at Sandy Park on May 25th 2019, Exeter, Devon. Photo: Cameron Geran/PPAUK

#3. Joel Hodgson

Joel Hodgson of Newcastle Falcons looks dejected after losing as he misses a penalty to take it to Extra Time during the Anglo-Welsh Cup semi-final match between Exeter Chiefs and Newcastle Falcons at Sandy Park on March 11th 2018, Exeter, Devon (Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK)

#4. Marco Fuser

The Italian international joined the Falcons in the summer of 2020 from Italian side, Benetton Treviso. Reports suggest he will return to Italy for next season.