Statement: Newcastle Falcons handed HUGE BAN for referee comments
04/11/2025 02:02 PM
Newcastle Falcons’ consultant director of rugby, Steve Diamond, has been slapped with a six-match ban after launching a furious tirade at match officials following a controversial defeat to Exeter Chiefs.
Final-Whistle Fury
The drama unfolded after Newcastle's narrow 17-15 loss at Sandy Park on 29 March, where Exeter bagged a last-minute match-winning try. Diamond, incensed by the decision to award the score, stormed onto the pitch post-match and angrily confronted the officials.
RFU Comes Down Hard
The Rugby Football Union didn't take the outburst lightly. Diamond was hauled before a three-person disciplinary panel and found guilty of behaviour “prejudicial to the interests of the game”, a breach of RFU Rule 5.12.
The former Sale Sharks and Worcester Warriors boss admitted the charge and will now be barred from any matchday involvement until an hour after full-time for the final five games of the season, plus the first friendly of the 2025/26 campaign.
“Wholly Unacceptable” Behaviour
Disciplinary panel chair Sam Hillas KC didn't mince his words, calling Diamond's actions "wholly unacceptable".
"The language used was inappropriate, abusive and entirely contrary to rugby's core values.
There is no place for abuse of match officials—whether in the professional or community game."
Punishment Fits the Rant
The panel ultimately ruled that a six-match suspension was a “proportionate” response to Diamond's conduct—sending a clear message that rugby's respect for referees remains non-negotiable.
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Dan Biggar names bold Lions XV – with big England omissions
Wales legend Dan Biggar has officially called time on his playing career, but not before dropping a blockbuster British & Irish Lions XV on The Rugby Pod – and his picks are bound to raise a few eyebrows.
The 112-cap fly-half, who steered Wales through some of their finest Six Nations and World Cup moments, appeared on Jim Hamilton's podcast this week and revealed his Lions dream team. Spoiler alert: there’s no room for the likes of Owen Farrell, Johnny Sexton, or even himself.
Here's how Biggar's team shaped up…
Front-row firepower: Porter, Sheehan & Furlong
1. Andrew Porter
2. Dan Sheehan
3. Tadhg Furlong
It's an all-Irish affair in the front row, with Biggar backing Leinster’s dominant trio to boss the scrum. Furlong remains the Rolls-Royce of tightheads, while Sheehan and Porter provide dynamism in the loose.
Big boys in the boiler room: Itoje & Beirne
4. Maro Itoje
5. Tadhg Beirne
England's Maro Itoje gets the nod despite some inconsistent recent form, with Biggar clearly still valuing his disruptive brilliance. He's paired with the ever-reliable Beirne – a turnover machine and Lions Test starter in 2021.
Breakdown beasts: Curry, Van Der Flier & Doris (c)
6. Tom Curry
7. Josh van der Flier
8. Caelan Doris (captain)
This back row is pure chaos – in the best possible way. England's Tom Curry returns to the fray, Ireland's Van der Flier adds World Player of the Year pedigree, and Doris, who's fast becoming a modern-day great, takes the armband. A fearless choice.
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