Phil Dowson cited for dangerous tackle

Posted on Dec 1, 2011 in English Rugby, Northampton, Premiership

PHIL DOWSON of Northampton Saints has been cited for a dangerous tackle on Saracens’ Alex Goode during the Aviva Premiership match at Franklin’s Gardens on November 26.

Dowson has been charged with acting contrary to Law 10(4)(J) in that he “lifted a player off the ground and dropped or drove that player in to the ground whilst that player’s feet were still off the ground such that his head/upper body came in to contact with the ground first," following a report by the citing officer Tony Lanaway.

He has been summoned to appear before an RFU Disciplinary Panel of His Honour Judge Jeff Blackett (chair), Jeremy Summers and Dr Julian Morris at the Royal Courts of Justice on Tuesday, December 6 at 4pm.

Tait challenges Falcons to deliver

Posted on Feb 17, 2010 in Rugby News

Newcastle first team coach Alan Tait has challenged his players to turn words into deeds on Saturday, as the Falcons look to regain their place in the top half of the Guinness Premiership table against London Irish.

The Exiles travel to Kingston Park for a 5.30pm kick-off, with Tait insisting that a victory is the absolute minimum requirement for his side to fulfil its top six ambitions.

“The players are talking the talk at the moment about finishing in the top half of the league, but now’s the time to see if they can back it up with their actions,” said the dual-code Scotland and Lions star.

“We can all sit here and say we’re going to finish in a Heineken Cup place, but if you don’t go out and win games then it’s just words.

“If the players are going to talk big about things like the top six then they need to bring in at least four points this weekend, it’s as simple as that.”

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Falcons make one change for Saints’ visit

Posted on Nov 26, 2009 in Rugby News

Newcastle Falcons have made just one change to their side for Friday night’s Guinness Premiership visit of Northampton Saints to Kingston Park (kick-off 8pm).

Following on from Sunday’s 15-11 win at high-flying London Irish director of rugby Steve Bates has chosen to stick with the bulk of that side, the only change coming on the wing as Tom Biggs replaces fellow Yorkshireman Danny Williams.

Speaking ahead of the game, Bates said: “Last weekend was a fantastic result down at London Irish, on the back of a lot of hard work.

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