3:38PM, Fri Jun 22, 2012

Newcastle Falcons Pre-Season: Dean Richards To Take Charge For First Time Against Ulster

By Neal Walker Location: Newcastle

Dean Richards' first game in charge of Newcastle Falcons will be a pre-season friendly against Heineken Cup runners-up Ulster.

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The Falcons have confirmed their warm-up schedule for the 2012/13 season - but still don't know which league they will be playing in, as London Welsh's promotion appeal won't be heard until next week.

Newcastle begin their pre-season preparations on Saturday August 11, as the club welcomes Doncaster Knights, Leeds Carnegie, Consett Rugby and Illinois Tornados to Kingston Park.

A Falcons XV will take on Doncaster Knights and Leeds Carnegie either side of Consett's clash with the Chicago-based US team, with the action starting at 1pm.

Six days later, on Friday August 17, Falcons fans will get another chance to run the rule over the side with another home friendly, against last season's Heineken Cup semi-finalists Edinburgh.

The following week, on Friday August 24, the Falcons will travel to Belfast to face an Ulster team boasting Ireland internationals such as Stephen Ferris and Rory Best, ensuring Richards' first game as Director of Rugby will be a stern test of his new players.

Commercial director Duncan Edward said: “We are looking forward to the start of the new era and are pleased to welcome Doncaster, Leeds and Edinburgh to Kingston Park.

“The double header will give our fantastic fans the opportunity to see, subject to availability, the full Falcons squad all vying for their respective positions.

“The home friendlies are then completed with Edinburgh reciprocating last year’s fixture at Murrayfield. We then travel to Belfast to play Ulster giving our pre-season a real Heineken Cup feel.”

Tickets for the home friendlies are £10 for adults and £5 for under-16s.