NEWCASTLE Falcons are to be captained by their Australian World Cup winner Matt Burke next season after releasing this year's skipper Colin Charvis.

Full back Burke, recently named Player of the Year, has scored 21 tries in 48 starts during his two seasons with the Falcons.

He said: "It's a great honour to skipper the side. We saw our potential last season when we beat all four of the top sides. The key is to maintain that form over the whole season and do ourselves justice with the great talent we have in the squad."

Director of Rugby Rob Andrew confirmed that Charvis and Scotland lock Stuart Grimes would be leaving as he continues to develop a home-grown squad. Next season's full-time playing staff of 32 will include ten newly-promoted from the senior academy.

Andrew added: "After signing his new two-year contract to have Matt as captain is another bonus considering the huge influence he has on the whole squad."

Former Blaydon and Otley lock ???????? this week became the Falcons' fourth new signing following Northampton wing John Rudd, North Harbour flanker Brent Wilson and Rotherham prop Jon Golding.

If Rudd makes the team he will be going back to his old club for the first match next season on the first weekend of September.

The fixtures were announced yesterday and Newcastle's first home match is against Worcester the following weekend, followed by London Irish two weeks later.

The full fixture list is available on the club website and a season ticket for the 11 home Premiership games and three European Challenge Cup matches costs £168 or £75 for juniors. Tickets can be ordered on 0871 226 6060.

The Falcons stage their first Spinnaka Newcastle Festival of Rugby today, when three seven-a-side tournaments will kick off at 10am and build to a climax around 4.40pm, when a Legends team will take the field prior to the three finals.

The Legends include Rob Andrew and several of his 1998 Premiership-winning team, such as Gary Armstrong, Doddie Weir and Garath Archer, with former Scotland fly half Craig Chalmers among the guest players. Martin Shaw, who has organised the event along with Tom May, will also take part.

The Falcons' squad for the main event will be captained by Eni Gesinde and includes three 17-year-olds in Michael Young, Rob Miller and Grant Beasley.

Former England Sevens player Phil Dowson is also involved, along with Tynedale's Scotland Sevens winger Cameron Johnston and Tim Visser, the Dutch utility player who was brought over to Barnard Castle School and made a big impression with Darlington Mowden Park.

The admission fee is £5 or £2 for juniors.