Newcastle Falcons Attracting Investment Interest, Says Steve Diamond

Steve Diamond, the consultant director of rugby for Newcastle Falcons, has reported existing local and international interest in new investment for the club, following Newcastle’s victory over Saracens last week, their first since February 2009. Diamond is currently working on behalf of the club’s present owner, Semore Kurdi, to attract additional capital. Speaking to BBC Sport, Diamond confirmed, “I’d be denying it if I said there wasn’t interest already shown from individuals who are based in the north east and globally.” He further added, “The interest needs to be substantiated. But I am confident that when people see what the package is and what they are buying into, I am sure it will be desirable for the right people.” The club currently holds ninth place in the Premiership standings, having secured victories in five of their last six matches across all competitions. Diamond stated that “all options are on the table” concerning potential investment, encompassing possibilities such as a complete club takeover or the acquisition of a minority stake. However, given that the Falcons operate with a significantly lower budget compared to other Premiership clubs, well below the league’s permitted salary cap, and maintain a smaller squad, an influx of new capital would enhance their on-field competitiveness. Diamond believes that the club’s position as the primary rugby union representative across the North East region should be a significant draw. He articulated, “The USP is being part of the Premiership, and potentially a part of the big European competitions.” He further described it as “a great community club across from Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear and Durham,” adding, “It’s a massive area and hundreds of players who have played international rugby have come from that area. That in itself is a lure for someone wanting to be part of a historical club like Newcastle.” Notable players such as Jonny Wilkinson, a hero from England’s 2003 World Cup squad, Toby Flood, and Mathew Tait, are three instances of athletes who progressed through the ranks at Kingston Park. Diamond is confident in their ability to further cultivate this talent pool, but he aims to prevent the departure of promising younger players, citing Guy Pepper and Phil Brantingham, who were enticed away by wealthier Premiership competitors last summer. He elaborated, stating, “Once new investment comes in, that drain won’t happen and a lid will be put on it.” He concluded, “People won’t be going, they’ll be contracted here for longer periods of time, so they get security.”