By Ridley Hall
July 31 2002

Both Andrew Mower and Gareth MacLure were missing from training at Kingston Park as it emerged that both are free to leave Newcastle Falcons. Their names have been circulated as being available and one wonders just who they are both now training with?

According to The Journal Rob Andrew says both are welcome to return if they fail to find new clubs.

The big shock, of course, is Mower. There were obvious signs at the end of last season that he was out of favour .. despite winning lots of admirers on the terraces.

He broke into the Scottish side and was our only specialist openside. With Pat Lam going Richard Arnold remains our only experienced back row!

Frankly, it is a major headache for new forwards coach Andrew Blades who has begun working with the shrinking Falcons pack.

He has solved one mystery by revealing that the last time he wore a shirt in anger was back in 1999 and he has no intention or restarting his career.

Gareth MacLure may well benefit from a move. The lad from Chester-le-Street looked a fine raw prospect with West Hartlepool but always looked slightly overawed when he turned out for Falcons .. as if he was trying to remember his coaching rather than let his natural talent express itself.

But he's big, young, fast and keen so he will be back.

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