Dean Richards announcement no issue for Falcons - Uys

Newcastle centre Corne Uys has said the timing of the appointment of Dean Richards as director of rugby for next season has had no impact on the squad.

Confirmation of Richards's impending arrival comes with the Falcons battling to save their Premiership status under Gary Gold, whose deal ends in May.

"We all knew Gary was just in for this time period," Uys told BBC Look North.

"We're focused on our next game, and we've done well to keep our focus on what we have to do."

Uys added: "With new management you have to get to know the guys again, find out their styles.

"As a player I try to control what I can control.

"What happens off the field, that's out of my control, I just focus on what I can do."

Under Gold, Falcons have shown improvement in performance and in results, with a home win against London Irish and were only denied all the points against Harlequins by a late penalty from Nick Evans.

However the Premiership took a break for the LV= Cup final last weekend, a valuable chance to regroup in a testing campaign.

"It's been a long season, the guys have stuck to their guns and it's taken a very physical effort from the guys," Uys said.

"I think the break has been great, other teams have had a break too, so it's whoever responds best to it will have the advantage.

"I thought it was a good time for the break, refocus where we are, take stock and move on to the last five games."