Newcastle Falcons has promoted ANNA HUMPHREYS to business development manager, and Mark Foster to head of marketing.

Both have been with the Falcons for four years. Ms Humphreys will be in charge of corporate sales, Premier Club, non match-day events and sponsorship account management.

Mr Foster will continue as company secretary of the Falcons Community Foundation, but will take more responsibility for the marketing of games, brand development and other services for supporters.

Falcons commercial director Mick Hogan said: "Both Anna and Mark are outstanding individuals who know the club well.

"Anna has been instrumental in assisting the trebling of income from corporate sales over the past two-and-a-half years while, as community marketing manager, Mark has established the Falcons Community Foundation as the best community programme in rugby.

"He has played a major role in all marketing over the past two years, and this promotion will give him greater scope to further develop those skills."