Diamond's war chest for relegation play-off

STEVE Diamond has built up a war chest as insurance should Newcastle find themselves in an end-ofseason relegation play-off with key players injured, but he does not anticipate dipping into it.

- By PAUL REES

Director of rugby Diamond has funds available because his playing budget this season is only half the salary cap limit of £6.4m and the Falcons last month received a fee from Leicester for wing Adam Radwan while lock Pedro Rubiolo has been loaned to Bristol ahead of his move there next season.

The Rugby Football Union has yet to announce whether any of the Championship clubs who have gone through the Premiership's entry criteria been successful.

"It may be the case that nothing is announced until March," said Diamond whose side went process have Premiership into the break at the bottom of the table after Exeter picked up their second victory of the campaign against Saracens.

"It would be late but you have to give due process its time. I have always though that a play-off is healthy and jeopardy is good. I will leave it to the powers that be.

"My job is not to finish bottom of the league and we have some juicy home games to come along with Exeter away. I am looking at surviving on our own volition and not thinking of the play-offs just yet.