Reaching final would give Newcastle 'ray of hope'

Newcastle last reached the semi-final of the Premiership Rugby Cup in 2019

Reaching the Premiership Rugby Cup final would offer a "ray of hope" for Newcastle Falcons in their ongoing search to attract new investment, according to boss Steve Diamond.

The Falcons face Bath at Kingston Park on Friday, knowing that victory would secure a spot in the final at their own ground seven days later.

They have not won a trophy of any kind for 21 years and after their recent struggles in the Premiership, it could transform the club's perception.

"This is an opportunity to get to a final," consultant director of rugby Diamond said.

"And with the seasons that Newcastle have had, it's a ray of hope in our search for an investor."

Newcastle owner Semore Kurdi is actively looking for new investment or for a takeover of the Premiership's most northerly club.

They have finished bottom of the Premiership in the last two seasons and did not win a league game between March 2023 and October 2024 - a run of 25 matches.

Falcons are once again bottom this campaign with two wins from their 11 matches.

Operating with a smaller squad and with a smaller budget than the rest, their place in the top league has been called into question.

But this season's Premiership Rugby Cup has offered respite with the Falcons winning six of their seven games.

And this run to the last four has provided welcome respite from some of the other negativity.

"It shows what we can do and it shows we're organised behind the scenes," Diamond added.

"We're a fully functional club, we're probably the club nearest to breaking even and if there are potential people watching, it shows a modicum of ability that we could get the club to a final."

'Players understand the opportunity'

Newcastle qualified for the knockout stages of this competition in first place and that top seeding guaranteed them home draws in each of the last eight, last four and final, if they progress.

They edged past a youthful Gloucester 22-17 in the quarter-finals and now will try to get past Premiership leaders Bath.

The west country outfit have assembled a talented and deep squad, but they are under pressure to deliver silverware, having not won anything for 17 years - a real drought for one of English rugby's traditional powerhouses.

The challenge is there for Newcastle but Diamond hopes his players can seize their chance.

"There's a different motivation when you're playing a side like Bath - you don't need to push the buttons as much," he said.

"You need to push them a little more when we think we're Real Madrid and we think we're better than we are.

"I probably didn't do that enough last week. But Callum Chick and the senior players have been brilliant. They understand what an opportunity this is."