NEWCASTLE FALCONS have allayed fears over an exodus of their brightest talents by agreeing a new two-year deal with skipper Will Welch.

Last week’s announcement that England international Kieran Brookes will join Northampton at the end of the season had raised fears that Falcons could lose some of their biggest names just as they are making progress in terms of building for the future.

However, Welch’s new contract is a powerful statement of the club’s intent, with more contractual agreements expected to follow in the next few days.

A home-grown product of Newcastle’s academy, and a former pupil at the Royal Grammar School, Welch made his first-team debut in 2008 and signed his first professional contract the following year. He has made 135 senior appearances for Falcons, and became the youngest captain in the club’s history when he took over the armband for the successful Championship promotion push three years ago.

“Will has been a loyal servant of this club since signing his first contract back in 2009, and I am delighted to extend his contract at Kingston Park,” said Newcastle director of rugby Dean Richards. “As a local lad, he is very much part of what we are trying to build here at the club.

“He has a lot of support from the senior players within the group, and has developed well over the past five years at the same time as managing the captain’s responsibilities.

“He is far more vociferous now than he ever was, far more demanding, and when you couple that with a good rugby brain and his ability to deal with people, you can see why we are pleased he will be here for at least another two years.”

Richards has been working assiduously to ensure he has the strongest possible squad for next season, and confirmation of Welch’s new deal will be followed by further announcements relating to other senior players before the end of the month.

“It is pleasing to be getting our key players on extended contracts, and Will is one of many who will be signing over the next few weeks,” said the Falcons chief.

Welch has been one of the stand-out players in Falcons’ strong recent run, and while he is unlikely to play much of a role in the ongoing European campaign, he will continue to be a key performer when the Aviva Premiership resumes in around a month’s time.

“It’s my hometown club and I am really pleased to get the opportunity to spend another two years here, especially with the way we are building at the minute,” said Welch. “I love Newcastle and playing here, with the squad that we have got, backed up with a great coaching team, so hopefully we will be going places.”