WHAT brilliant news that Newcastle have made such stellar signings for next season.
Maxime Mermoz is a quality addition and a real sign of intent that the Falcons under Dean Richards are a rising force.
Add in the finishing prowess of DTH van der Merwe, who has regularly been the top winger in the PRO12, plus Josh Matavesi with proven international quality, and it looks like the club are building something special with some good kids coming through the ranks.
My big hope now is that Richards stays for the next few years to see the fruits of his labours.
Dean Ryan looked to be...