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Newcastle Falcons fans hoping their team would make a statement as the Gallagher Premiership returned, were left severely disappointed after Sale Sharks visited Kingston Park on Friday.
It was the same old story. Lots of effort, but no points as they lost 39-15.
Bottom of the table before kick-off, six points behind Exeter Chiefs, and with little for their fans to look forward to over the remaining seven matches, it has already been a long campaign for Falcons fans.
The most recent of their two Premiership victories came at the end of November, a 17-12 win over Saracens, and since then star wing Adam Radwan has departed for Leicester Tigers.
NEVER ENDING WINTER
Earlier in the week their position was laid bare when Director of Rugby Steve Diamond poured cold water over any hope for improvement next season by announcing a freeze on recruitment’s.
Furthermore, reports emerged that they may have to negotiate a short-term loan to participate next season.
This after Championship runaway leaders Ealing Trailfinders, and Coventry were told their bid for promotion didn’t matches Premiership Rugby Limited’s (PRL) requirements. Only Doncaster Knights did, but unless they haul in the 26 points to Ealing, then the Falcons will be safe.
How long can their descent continue though?
Sooner or later even the devoted are going to say enough is enough and stay away, and then what for rugby in the north-east?
PREMIERSHIP STATUS ASSURED
Falcons’ matches are one-fifth of the Premiership’s round of fixtures. Which means only four matches per round that are competitive. How long can PRL tolerate that before giving someone else a chance?
However, the Championship clubs now receive £133,00 per annum from central Rugby Football Union (RFU) funds, down from £650,000 in 2016. No wonder they can’t build up their facilities to the required level.
Not for the first time English elite club rugby has some hard decisions to make, and it will be indicative to see what the outcome is from the RFU Special General Meeting this Thursday (27 March).
It is a shame for the Falcons, rugby in the north-east, and the Premiership which produces thrilling rugby on a weekly basis. However, it is being undermined, and after Wasps, Worcester Warriors, and London Irish went bankrupt, the main question if Newcastle make it four, is whose next?