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Rugby Union

Newcastle Falcons release Flood and Tait

03/05/2008

Newcastle Falcons have chosen to release England internationals Toby Flood and Mathew Tait at the end of the season.

Both players still have a year left on their current contracts but club chairman Dave Thompson said the disruption caused their continuing England commitments was having a negative effect on the Falcons.

With Jonny Wilkinson and Jamie Noon, as well as Flood and Tait, away on international duty, the Falcons backs have looked threadbare at times this season and Thompson said he would not let the continuity of the side be threatened.

He explained: "Having four of our first-choice back line away with England for so long this year, and the fact that they would miss half of our league games next season, has been a major consideration in the decision to allow both Toby and Mathew to move.

"The impact of four of our back line going out en masse and then returning at various stages of the season has caused us certain difficulties as we look to get this team to where it needs to be, and we felt that the situation had to be addressed for the long-term good of the club."

Flanker Ben Woods, who also had a year left on his contract, has also been allowed to leave the club.

Because of the nature of their release the Falcons will receive compensation from whichever clubs the players join in the summer.

Thompson insisted that although the Falcons remained committed to the interests of English rugby they had to release some England players for the good of the club.

However, the chairman hinted that he may have already lined up some replacements, claiming the club were "in advanced negotiations with two Super 14 players".

The Falcons have struggled this season, winning just six league games, and are currently tenth in the Guinness Premiership table.