Walder to ask Jones if Blamire's selfless act cost him England place

Newcastle boss Dave Walder is to ask England head coach Eddie Jones if the club’s decision to use Jamie Blamire as a flanker during their injury crisis has cost the hooker a place in the squad.

Walder will also attempt to clarify George McGuigan’s place in the current England pecking order of hookers as both missed out on the 36 man squad named for next week’s three day training camp in London.

Blamire has won six caps under Jones and rewarded his faith with six tries and gained international recognition despite having to play second fiddle to McGuigan in Premiership fixtures for much of last season. McGuigan was given the starting position for Falcons because of his remarkable try scoring ability that brought him 27 in all competitions last season.

McGuigan has carried on with his try scoring in this campaign and has now crossed the whitewash 14 times in 2022 with his most recent coming in the loss at Worcester in what could be Warriors final game unless they can find new owners. McGuigan is joint top scorer in the Premiership with four alongside Harlequins wing Cadan Murley.

Blamire was named as a back row replacement at Sixways and has the same role for Friday night’s home game with Bristol. Walder, who has yet to enjoy a victory since taking over from Dean Richards as director of rugby at Kingston Park, said: “I am due a catch up with Eddie and will ask about this.

“I have spoken to Jamie but haven’t had any information from England. We have been through things with Jamie who is doing us a favour out of position and we have been open with him and what to get him back in at hooker as soon as possible. He has sacrificed to help us out and if that has had an impact (with England) I don’t know while George has started the season on good try scoring form and you would hope he is there or thereabouts.“

Falcons back row problems are mounting with veteran Carl Fearns undergoing a knee operation while Gary Graham is still some weeks away from fully recovering from a MCL injury.

The Argentina centre double act of Matias Orlando and Matias Moroni, who won the Premiership with Leicester last season, will make their first appearances of the season against Bristol after helping their country in the Rugby Championship.

Winless Newcastle are hoping the arrival of “ Puma Power” can end their losing run and Walder said: “ Matias Moroni played six days ago against South Africa and we have been in contact with both of them and the Argentina camp have been brilliant. I spoke to Michael Cheika last week as to why Matias Orlando wasn’t involved against South Africa and asked if he could come back earlier but he was a travelling reserve and part of their leadership group.”