New season and exciting times for rugby in the north east.

After a summer of waiting, expectation and jubilation the rugby action finally takes to the pitch on Friday night as Newcastle Red Bulls take on Harlequins in The Premiership Rugby Cup.

Genuine excitement

I think it's fair to say that the Red Bull takeover has created a sense of excitement around rugby union in the region, from my perspective it's great to see. Rugby union fans in the region have stuck with the Falcons in recent seasons and no one can begrudge them something to look forward to!

Managing expectations

Most seasoned fans will understand that success will have to be earned and given the timing of the takeover it does leave Red Bulls behind the league in terms of planning and preparation. In saying that Steve Diamond has built a squad that looks to have a hard edge about it and will be hungry to show that they can be part of the Red Bull journey. It's a squad that's perfect for Kingston Park upsets as the season goes on.

Quins travel north

Harlequins are the visitors on Friday night and arrive on the back of the news that this will be Danny Wilson's last game in charge as he joins Wales as an Assistant Coach following this game.

The Quins squad will look to the experience of Jack Walker, Stephan Lewies, Tom Lawday, Joe Launchbury off the bench and the live wire Nick David at full back. Otherwise it's a relatively inexperienced squad heading north, although one to keep an eye on is Cassius Cleaves on the wing.

Red Bull lineup

Newcastle will be led by the returning George McGuigan who was unfortunate with a really nasty injury in his time at Gloucester. Young lock Oscar Usher forms a partnership with debutant Jamie Hodgson in the second row. The back row has a real combative look about it with Cam Neild, Tom Gordon and Amanaki Mafi who could become a real fans favourite looking like a fearsome trio.

The back line features the popular Sammy Arnold who will look to dent the Quins defence. I think Newcastle can take this game but they may be a bit rusty as new combinations come together. Whatever happens there's a big crowd expected at Kingston Park and there's going to be a real buzz in the air at Kingston Park tomorrow night!