Falcons director of rugby John Fletcher said the signing demonstrated the level of ambition at the club.

BBC: Newcastle sign All Black Hayman

Seeing Newcastle team-mate Wilkinson axed by England came as a shock and it was compounded by Newcastle parting company with Flood's mentor John Fletcher, who is no longer the Falcons' director of rugby.

BBC: We need to deliver, says Vickery

The pair combined in quick succession to create openings for first Carl Fletcher's left-foot shot and then John Hartson's header, but Dmitriy Kramarenko saved both.

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