The 1997–98 English Premiership (known as the Allied Dunbar Premiership for sponsorship reasons) was the ninth complete season of rugby union in England's top league. Newcastle Falcons won the league for the first time after being promoted from National Division 2 the previous season. They were joined by four other teams - London Wasps, Leicester Tigers, Northampton Saints and Harlequins FC. This is also the only season where all of the teams used a common set of rules. The season began on 6 August 1997 and ended on 3 May 1998. Newcastle beat London Wasps 26-24 in the final at Loftus Road, London. It was their first title in just their second season in the top flight. American Larry Kennedy scored two tries for Newcastle while Paul Wallace scored one try for Wasps. Newcastle had been relegated from the Premiership the previous season but they turned around their form immediately to win their first title. Under head coach John Carver, they made the playoffs each year from then on out, never finishing lower than fourth place. In 1999-2000, they finally won the League when they defeated Leeds 24-19 in the decider at Headingley Stadium. That team finished with 100% record and it wasn't easy either - they played ten matches during the season. Current Newcastle captain Matt Banham was part of that team.