Academy manager Metcalf departs Falcons

Jun 27 2008 The Journal

NEWCASTLE Falcons have lost another valuable backroom man with academy manager Richard Metcalf leaving Kingston Park.

Metcalf has spent the last two years in charge of the Falcons academy, but has decided to return to Cumbria for family reasons.

His departure follows hot on the heels of the news that commercial director Mick Hogan has been appointed chief executive of rugby league side Wigan Warriors.

During last season, fitness and conditioning coach Steve Black left the club by mutual consent and coaches John Fletcher and Peter Walton were shown the door.

That was followed by the departure of England players Toby Flood and Mathew Tait plus England Saxons’ Ben Woods and Lee Dickson.

The Falcons academy has been recognised as one of the best in the country and Newcastle will hope to maintain that status, but questions are bound to be asked as to why there has been this glut of departures on both the coaching and playing side.

The loss of four such influential players and five key backroom staff would be hard for any club to absorb and for a side which finished second bottom of the Premiership last season, it’s hardly good for morale.

“We had lived in the one place all our lives and always knew it was a bit of a risk, so I think all in all everyone’s excited about moving back to Cumbria,” said Metcalf.

“It’s been a fantastic chance and a great time for me at the Falcons, which I have really enjoyed, but you just have to put your family first. That’s always got to be the most important concern, and that’s the reason why I am leaving.”

Falcons director of rugby Steve Bates said: “Richard has made an outstanding contribution and he leaves the academy in great shape.

“We wish him well back in his native Cumbria, and thank him for all his efforts in bringing through our top young players.”