Are Newcastle Falcons ready to play in the Aviva Premiership? The stadium underwent a massive upgrade 10 years ago, and the ground now has a capacity of just over 10,000, a superb playing surface and good spectator and television facilities. The coach Dean Richards - who holds the title of director of rugby - needs no introduction, although the whiff of Bloodgate still follows him round. Richards led Leicester to a succession of titles, built Quins into a serious force, and has some talented assistants at Newcastle. Squad strength Mike Blair, the former Scotland scrum-half is on his way, but Richards may want to beef up his options at fly-half. He may well be shopping for a second-row bruiser in the months ahead as well.