Newcastle Falcons confirm ten players leaving

Newcastle Falcons have confirmed a list of 10 departing players for the 2010-11 season.

The full-time players leaving the club are Adam Balding, Tom Biggs, Peter Browne, Spencer Davey, Carl Hayman, Chris Micklewood, Rob Miller, Laurence Ovens, Mark Sorenson and Alex Walker.

Head coach Alan Tait said: "We wish all of the guys well for the future, and from everybody at the club I would like to acknowledge all of them for what they have contributed during their time here in Newcastle."

So far the Falcons have announced 10 new signings to the full-time playing squad.

They are Ally Hogg (Edinburgh), Tim Ryan (Toulon), Jeremy Manning (Munster), Luke Eves (Bristol), Luke Fielden (Bedford), Glen Townson (Doncaster), James Hall (Coventry), Mark Wilson (Blaydon), Joe Graham (Tynedale) and James Fitzpatrick (Blaydon).

This is in addition to Paul Moriarty and Richard Arnold joining the club's coaching staff.

Tait said: "We are still putting the finishing touches to the squad, but I am confident in the group of players and coaches that we are building together here and everyone is looking forward to the start of the new season."

The Falcons started their pre-season training yesterday, with the squad being put through a gruelling hill-running session at Blaydon Rugby Club.