NEWCASTLE FALCONS have confirmed that Will Welch will continue as club captain for a fourth consecutive season.

Welch first took on the role at the start of the 2012 season, and after guiding Falcons to the Championship title, he has led the club throughout their subsequent Aviva Premiership campaigns.

A product of the club’s academy system, Newcastle-born Welch has made 144 competitive appearances for Falcons in his 14 seasons at Kingston Park.

“We’re delighted that Will wants to take on the club captaincy again,” said head coach John Wells. “He’s been with the Falcons since he started to get involved with professional rugby and has had to ride some tough times with the club.

“Going down to the Championship was hard for the club and was hard for him, and then he’s had to deal with two years in the Premiership afterwards which again, have been tough.

“But Will has helped keep the squad together and he has done a remarkable job, keeping calm and bringing a balance to the whole thing behind the scenes.”

Speaking of the decision to once again award the captain’s armband to the openside flanker, Wells continued: “It was a bit of a no brainer, he has the club at heart and is passionate about the club; he is the guy that is going to say get up and follow me.

“We know we’re going to have to scrap for points here there and everywhere, and we want scrappers, and Will is the ideal man to take us through this next season.”

Having led his team to a friendly win over the Georgian national side last Friday, Welch will return to action on Sunday when Falcons take on Sale Sharks in the Kings of the North competition.