Falcons loan a Goode move for James
Ospreys lock James Goode has completed a loan move to Premiership side Newcastle Falcons until the end of the current season.
The 29-year old made the switch to Kingston Park after finding his opportunities restricted this season, with just five appearances so far and just the one Pro12 start.
Chief Operations Officer Andrew Hore explained that second row is a position where they enjoy considerable strength in depth., which made the decision easier.
“With a number of senior Welsh internationals supplemented by stalwarts such as Ian Gough who remains with the region during international periods,” Hore said.
“In addition, the development pathway is producing some exciting young players like James King, Lloyd Peers, Jack Jones and Rhodri Hughes, who all have a bright future ahead of them with the region.
“This is a good move for James who feels that he needs to be playing regular rugby at the moment, and that is an admirable attitude. This loan will allow him to get game-time in the Premiership, helping Newcastle at a crucial time of the season so it will be beneficial to everyone.”
Goode, who was part of the Grand Slam-winning Wales Under-21 team of 2003, burst onto the scene with his hometown club Cardiff Blues.
Making 15 appearances for the Blues, the renowned line-out specialist earned himself a move to NPC side Manawatu Turbos in 2007.
Goode enjoyed three successful seasons in New Zealand, before he returned to his native Wales, with the Ospreys in November 2009.
Originally signing a short-term contract with the Pro12 outfit, Goode extended his stay by penning one-year extension followed by a three-year deal in 2011.
“I am really impressed with the set-up at Kingston Park and I am looking forward to the challenge of helping the club secure its Premiership status,” said Goode, who is English qualified by virtue of his mother’s birthplace.
He added: “It was a long drive up to Newcastle and I met Gary Gold and the players at the training ground. I must admit I have not really had chance to watch much of the Premiership this season, but I did see the Falcons narrow defeat at Bath and then the win against London Irish, so things are certainly on the up for the club.”
Goode has featured five times for the Ospreys this campaign including three appearances in the Pro12. His latest appearance was a full 80 minutes against Worcester Warriors in the LV= Cup earlier this month. He has been on the winning side in all three of his Pro12outings and Gold believes Goode is a great acquisition for the Falcons.
Gold said: “James [Goode] provides us with some good cover in the pack and with James Hudson currently recovering from his injury, he will add some fire-power as we continue our fight-back in the Premiership.”
Gold takes his charges to Leicester Tigers this Saturday before hosting Harlequins on Friday, March 2.
Last weekend’s 19-10 victory over London Irish at Kingston Park means the gap is now down to just six points at the foot of the table – the fight-back is well and truly on.
