Diamond set to open player contract talks

STEVE Diamond will start contract talks this week with players he wants to retain next season still unsure whether there will be relegation from the Premiership this season.

- PAUL REES

Newcastle are bottom of the top flight with 10 rounds to go after a home defeat to Harlequins in the last round when three tries by the visitors in the last nine minutes decided what had been a close contest.

Championship clubs who have asked to be audited to see if they meet the entry criteria for the Premiership will know whether they have been successful by the end of the month.

Donalso Coventry caster have made applications. It is understood that the leaders Ealing Trailfinders have done so, although the club, which was last knocked back in 2023 as its ground did not meet the necessary 10,001 capacity and no planning application had been made for improvements, is not commenting on the matter.

If either Coventry and Doncaster both, they would only be eligible for the two legged play-off against the Premiership's bottom side if they finished top of the Championship. Ealing have a 12-point lead over succeed, or Coventry having won 35-25 away at Butts Park Arena in December.