Newcastle Falcons To Host Two International Matches At Kingston Park

By Mark Masterton Location: Newcastle
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VIDEO: Kingston Park will play host to an international double

Newcastle Falcons have announced they are to host two international matches at Kingston Park.

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The Falcons will take on a Tonga XV on November 13, before England Saxons take on Scotland A at Kingston Park on February 1, 2013.

The visit of the Tongan national team will be part of the side's four-match Autumn tour, which includes matches against the USA, Scotland, and Italy.

It also sees former Falcons player and now President of the Tongan Rugby Union, Epi Taione, return to the club.

Taione said, "I can’t wait to return to the Toon - my second home. I can promise all rugby fans in the North East a free-flowing rugby game not to be missed."

Paul Varley, Executive Vice Chairman of the Falcons is responsible for bringing the international fixtures to Kingston Park, as the club continues to build its presence on and off the pitch.

Varley said: "We're delighted to have these two games here, I think it's a real opportunity to showcase rugby at Kingston Park."

Falcons Director of Rugby Dean Richards believes the international ties provide a great opportunity for his players to take part in.

Richards said: "The chance to play an international side is something that a lot of our boys probably won't acheive during their career, and it gives them a massive experience.

"In terms of the Saxons match, it's great for the stadium. It puts us on the map again, it means Kingston Park is a venue that people will want to visit.

"It puts us up alongside the Leicesters of this world, the Northamptons and everybody else, we're delighted."

Rob Andrew, former Falcons director of rugby and now professional rugby director at the RFU, said: "The Saxons play an important role in our player development and this, our only home game, will be a good gauge of where the next level of players below the seniors are at.

"Kingston Park is a fantastic ground with passionate supporters and I’m sure they will come out in force."

Tickets for the Tonga match on November 13 are on sale now and available here.

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NEWCASTLE FALCONS CHAMPIONSHIP FIXTURES 2012/13

Sun September 2 2012 3pm, Bristol Rugby, Away

Sat September 8 2012 3pm, London Scottish, Away

Fri September 14 2012 8pm, Doncaster Knights, Home

Sun September 23 2012 3pm, Cornish Pirates, Away

Fri September 28 2012 8pm, Leeds Carnegie, Home

Sat October 6 2012 3pm, Moseley, Away

Fri October 26 2012 8pm, Rotherham Titans, Home

Sat November 3 2012 3pm, Bedford Blues, Away

Fri November 9 2012 8pm, Nottingham RFC, Home

Sat November 24 2012 3pm, Jersey RFC , Away

Fri November 30 2012 8pm, Plymouth Albion, Home

Sun December 23 2012 3pm, London Scottish, Home

Tue January 1 2013 2.30pm, Doncaster Knights, Away

Fri January 25 2013 8pm, Cornish Pirates, Home

TBC, Leeds Carnegie, Away

Fri February 15 2012 8pm, Moseley, Home

Sat March 2 2013 3pm, Rotherham Titans, Away

Fri March 8 2013 8pm, Bedford Blues, Home

Fri March 22 2013 7.45pm, Nottingham RFC, Away

Fri March 29 2013 8pm, Jersey RFC, Home

Sat April 13 2013 3pm, Plymouth Albion, Away

Fri April 19 2013 8pm, Bristol Rugby, Home