NEWCASTLE Falcons could hardly have picked a tougher venue as they go into their final game at Leicester today before being depleted by the Six Nations Championship.

Welford Road has not always been a happy hunting ground for the Falcons, and Director of Rugby John Fletcher said: "We had a big, big hiding down there a few years ago, which was massively embarrassing for us as a club. But since then we've drawn at Welford Road and beaten them a couple of times at home.

"I wouldn't say we fear them.

I'm sure the same applies if you ask their coach about us, because you're dealing with two good teams."

As well as their vocal crowd the small pitch gives the Tigers an advantage and Fletcher added: "The pitch doesn't help us, because it's undoubtedly the smallest in the league.

"They play the pitch very well, it's a huge part of what they are about, but it's up to us to deal with that, because both sides are playing on the same field.

"On a pitch that small you can punt from goal line to goal line with the bounce, and hit penalties from well inside your own half. We have to look to integrate those sorts of things into our game. If we can do that we will have a chance of winning."

* Northampton have signed Ulster back-rower Roger Wilson and London Irish centre Nils Mordt ahead of their anticipated return to the Guinness Premiership next season.

Wilson was capped by Ireland against Japan in 2005, while Mordt has featured for the England Saxons side.