Newcastle lose Premiership status

Newcastle Falcons have been relegated from the Aviva Premiership despite beating Wasps on the final day of the season.

The two bottom sides met in Wycombe with the Tynesiders knowing they would have to claim a bonus point victory to avoid relegation. Dai Young's men had the better of the early exchanges, taking a 10-0 lead into the break, thanks to a try from youngster Christian Wade and five points from the boot of Nicky Robinson and appeared to be total control. The Falcons started the second half strongly and tries from James Fitzpatrick and former Ireland international scrum-half Peter Stringer gave them a glimmer of hope. However, despite a number of opportunities in the closing stages, they failed to score any more points and now have to face up to life in the second tier of English rugby.