By NEALE HARVEY

Veteran: Newcastle back rower Ally Hogg

STALWART Newcastle back rower Ally Hogg believes the club’s startling summer transfer activity will kick-start a return to European rugby’s top table.
Tyneside’s revivalists came within one win of Champions Cup qualification last season before finishing eighth and former Scotland No.8 Hogg expects the arrival of Test trio Toby Flood, DTH van der Merwe and French ace Maxime Mermoz to up the ante.
The Falcons kick off the season at home to Worcester Warriors, and Hogg, who revealed he is extending his Kingston Park s...