England international closes in on Newcastle move, Steve Diamond's rebuild begins

Thursday, 02 May 2024 at 10:18

byRugby Rucker

Bristol Live have reported that former England winger Ruaridh McConnochie has caught the eye of Newcastle Falcons' head honcho Steve Diamond.

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McConnochie, 32, has seen his playing time at Bath Rugby significantly hampered by a string of injuries over the past couple of years, paving the way for his departure from the club this upcoming summer.

Before transitioning to the 15-a-side game, McConnochie achieved Olympic sevens silver as part of the British team.

His switch to Bath in January 2018 marked a foray into the professional 15-a-side format. Notably, he was among the uncapped players named in England’s preliminary squad for the 2019 Rugby World Cup, eventually earning his first cap against Italy during the tournament.

Throughout his tenure with Bath, McConnochie has showcased his prowess as a dynamic winger, renowned for his ability to outmaneuver defenders. Beyond the pitch, he has also garnered acclaim for his contributions to the community.

As McConnochie gears up to bid farewell to Bath, speculation mounts regarding a potential move to Newcastle Falcons, where his talents could be further nurtured under the leadership of Diamond.

“Re-imagination” – England handed easy pool for 2027 Rugby World Cup

The new format will feature six pools of four teams, with a round of 16 added prior to the quarter-finals.

This will enable the tournament window to be reduced from seven to six weeks, while promoting a rhythm that builds momentum across the pool phase and respects the same minimum number of rest days between matches as at France 2023.

If the 2027 Rugby World Cup Draw was made tomorrow, this is what the Pools may look like (based on rankings)

2027 Rugby World Cup draw (Current rankings)

POOL A

South Africa
Japan
Georgia
Hong Kong

Siya Kolisi, Captain of South Africa celebrates after the Rugby World Cup Final match between New Zealand and South Africa at Stade De France, Paris on 29 October 2023 (Photo: Micah Crook/PPAUK)

POOL B

Ireland
Fiji
Samoa
Chile

James Lowe of Ireland during the Autumn Nations Cup match between England and Ireland at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on November 21 2020. - PHOTO: Phil Mingo/PPAUK

POOL C

New Zealand
Wales
Portugal
Namibia

POOL D

France
Australia
Tonga
Canada

Antoine Dupont of France during the Guinness Six Nations match between England and France at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on Saturday 11th March 2023 | Photo: James Fearn/PPAUK.