NEWCASTLE FALCONS director of rugby Dean Richards is backing his summer recruits to ensure the club staves off the threat of relegation.

Richards’ side are back in the Aviva Premiership and kick off the new season with the visit of Bath, now led by Gary Gold, a former Falcons director of rugby.

And former England No 8 Richards has been busy strengthening his squad to avoid an immediate return to the Championship.

The likes of Scott Lawson, Phil Godman and Fraser McKenzie have been brought in and Richards believes they will all have a positive impact.

“I hope we don’t go down but I think every side has that in their mind apart from the top four or five because you know it is such a difficult competition,” he said.

“Providing we play as well as we know we can do throughout the year and give it everything we can then hopefully we won’t be anywhere near that.

“We have had quite a few incoming players, and quality as well, with people like Mike Blair, Scott Lawson, Fraser McKenzie and Phil Godman. I am delighted with the boys coming in and I think we are building a squad that will do well.”

The J.P Morgan Premiership Rugby 7s kicks off on August 1 at Kingsholm with rounds at Franklin’s Gardens and Allianz Park and the Final at The Recreation Ground. For tickets and more information visit: www.jpmorgan7s.com or follow @jpmorganrugby7s