DEAN Richards has thrown his full backing behind Newcastle Falcons’ decision to offer a free ticket for this evening’s visit of Cornish Pirates to all serving and former emergency services and military personnel.

The 7pm Kingston Park kick-off, postponed last month due to snow, sees the Championship leaders continuing to reach a new audience, their director of rugby endorsing the initiative.

“The club have offered a free ticket to people from the three 9s and the forces as well, which I think is absolutely fantastic,” said the former policeman.

“People often talk a lot about heroes when it comes to sport, but if you’re talking about real heroes then these are the guys who fit the bill. I hope lots of them take up the offer, and that they have a great night.”

Faced with an unusual 7pm kick-off, the Falcons boss does not envisage the start time having any negative impact, stating: “I think Saturday night is a good time to have a game, and hopefully the crowd will get involved.

“It gives them a chance to get their own club games or their football out of the way, get down to Kingston Park for a few beers while the England game is on the TV in the stadium bars and then outside to watch the Falcons. It should be a good atmosphere.”

Echoing similar sentiments for his players, he added: “The lads are used to playing evening games now, and on different days of the week, so it won’t affect them.

“Years ago when I was playing it was always Saturday at 3pm and a change from that could be difficult, but the players are much more relaxed about it nowadays and just get on with it.

“Their preparation for a game works backwards from the kick-off rather than forwards towards it, and things like days or times are of very little concern.”