THE big-hearted Newcastle Falcons cup-winning team have given their £22,000 prize money to the family of a tragic former team-mate.

The rugby union club's owner, David Thompson, decided the money from Saturday's Powergen Cup triumph should be given to the side in recognition of their 37-33 victory over Sale Sharks.

But he was told by the players, who came from behind three times to lift the cup in a thrilling Twickenham final, that the money should instead go to a fund set up to support the family of their former colleague, Soa Otuvaka.

The Tongan back row forward, who played for the Falcons as well as North-East clubs Tynedale and Mowden Park, died three weeks ago of a brain tumour.

His three-year-old son, Eric, was the team's mascot for the day, while daughter Lily, one, and wife Jenny, 27, were at the after-game celebrations, where the Falcons dedicated their triumph to him.

Mr Thompson said: "To a man, they said to me 'put it in Soa's fund'. I think it is a magnificent gesture and just shows what this club is all about.

"I am very proud of this group of players and the way they conduct themselves."

A benefit match at Kingston Park last weekend saw rugby stars from around the world come to Newcastle to raise about £100,000 for Otuvaka's family.