Wilson commits to Falcons deal, Swinson on his way (From The Northern Echo)

Wilson commits to Falcons deal, Swinson on his way

8:13am Wednesday 22nd February 2012 in Sport By Scott Wilson

NEWCASTLE Falcons back rower Mark Wilson has signed a new three-year contract to commit himself to Kingston Park.

But second-row forward Tim Swinson is set to leave the North-East in the summer after turning down the offer of a new two-year deal in order to join Glasgow.

Wilson, who still had two years of his previous contract to run, has been offered improved terms as a reward for a string of impressive recent displays that have cemented his place in Gary Gold's preferred back row.

The 22-year-old number eight, who joined Newcastle from National One side Blaydon, is happy to have secured his future, and insists he will be remaining at Kingston Park no matter what league Falcons are playing in next season.

Saturday's narrow success over London Irish improved the club's position at the foot of the Aviva Premiership table, but they remain six points adrift of their closest rivals, London Wasps, with just seven games to play.

“I am happy in Newcastle, I am really enjoying my rugby with the Falcons and I am getting a lot of first-team exposure,” said Wilson. “At my age that is vitally important, and the ambition of the club is there for everyone to see with guys like Jimmy Gopperth signing up for another three seasons.

“Regardless of what happens this season, there is a great future in store here. I already had two seasons left to run on my contract so there was never anything imminent in terms of looking elsewhere. But the coaches have said they want me to stay and be an important first-team player.”

Newcastle's backroom staff were also hoping Swinson would still be available next season, but the 25-year-old lock has instead agreed to join Glasgow.

He is keen to pursue an international career with Scotland, and despite the presence of Euan Murray at Kingston Park, feels playing his club rugby north of the border will further his ambitions.

Swinson will move to Glasgow as a replacement for Scotland international Richie Gray, who will leave to join Sale Sharks in the close season.