Wray’s wrath at RFU despite win clipping Falcons’ wings

Tries from James Short and Jared Saunders sealed victory following a rusty display from a Saracens outfit that were playing at their Vicarage Road home for the first time in five weeks.

With such a long time between home gates Wray was critical of the RFU for agreeing to stage the Crusaders-Sharks - which was moved to Twickenham following last month’s devastating earthquake in Christchurch - and provide direct competition for the domestic game.

Wray went even further declaring the season’s fixturing “a shambles” and the RFU unfit to regulate the game.

“How can you have the RFU as the regulator of the game, the person who, if you like, tells you when you can open shop for business when they are also a competitor,” he said.

“They run competitive games as indeed can be seen today when without a word or thought for the Premiership clubs, they organised at Twickenham a competing fixture involving Canterbury from New Zealand.

“Well, why not hold it on an international weekend? Competition if fine, of course, but you cannot be the regulator as well.

“I understand that the charity aspect is a factor, but £5 from every £40 ticket?

“This is our first home game since playing Leeds on February 20.

“That’s five weeks, what a way to run a business.

“Can you imagine if Harrods told their customers they were closing for five weeks? Surprise, surprise, those customers would all go to Selfridges.”

Newcastle boss Alan Tait seemed more cheerful in defeat than McCall was in victory, despite the loss leaving the Falcons just six points above Leeds at the bottom.

“Some of the boys gave their all. I asked them to make an impact and they did which is why, despite losing, I see reasons to be cheerful,” he said.

“I watched us really crumble here last year, but this group of lads dug really deep and although we are facing a real battle between now and the end of the season, their showing tremendous character.”

Northampton director of rugby Jim Mallinder hailed the impact of his returning England stars after watching his side climb back into the play-off places by smashing Wasps 39-3 at Franklin’s Gardens.

Ben Foden and Chris Ashton were among the try scorers for the hosts, with Brian Mujati, Stuart Commins and a penalty try completing the scoring. Mallinder said: “It makes a big difference having all the international players back plus Lee Dickson.

“Dylan is maturing all the time and has the right credentials to be an England captain. He had a great game in the tight and had a hand in at least two of the tries.”

England half-backs Toby Flood and Ben Youngs were inspirational as Premiership leaders Leicester thrashed Bath 37-6, for their biggest away success in 96 years of fixtures between the clubs.

Flood and Tom Croft scored two tries apiece.