NEWCASTLE FALCONS captain Will Welch says his team are ready for Harlequins’ all-court game when the Gallagher Premiership season begins on Saturday at Kingston Park.

The 3pm kick-off sees the Falcons hosting a Quins side renowned for the playing with width and pace, but Welch says the Falcons will not be distracted from their own game plan.

“Harlequins are a strong team with skillful players who are good with the ball, and they’re a good all-round team,” said the homegrown flanker, who is back for a second spell as club captain.

“They won the Premiership two seasons ago and were top-four last season, so we know we’re up against a good side. It’s a tough one to start but those are the challenges you want – especially at home.

“Everyone knows Quins are a side who like to run the ball, and that’s something we have to be aware of. They will play from certain areas that other teams wouldn’t, and if you lose concentration against them they’ll make you pay.

“It’s about staying engaged with that, and as much as it won’t change our own game plan it’s just something we have to keep in our minds. We can’t get bored with defending.”

A summer of change at Kingston Park has seen head coach Dave Walder taking charge of first-team affairs, with the former England fly-half already on-record as saying he wants to entertain the fans.

Welch said: “The point which has been stressed is that when the opportunity is there, we have a go.

"That doesn’t mean running it from everywhere all the time and playing up a blind alley, because you can’t do that at this level.

“It’s not playing for the sake of playing, but we’ve got the licence to take opportunities when we see them.

“Sometimes that might mean running from deep, sometimes it will mean kicking in behind and it’s just that decision-making around when to run, pass and kick.

“Getting that balance is the hardest thing, and the teams who manage it are generally in a good place.”