Newcastle Falcons' Mayhew Bros sign new deals (From The Northern Echo)

Newcastle Falcons' Mayhew Bros sign new deals

8:00am Thursday 22nd December 2011 in Newcastle Falcons By Scott Wilson

NEWCASTLE Falcons have tied down brothers Michael and Richard Mayhew to new two-and-a-half year deals.

The New Zealand-born duo have both impressed since moving to Kingston Park in the summer, and have been rewarded with contract extensions.

Hooker Michael has made 13 senior appearances for Falcons this term, scoring two tries in the process, while back rower Richard has caught the eye in his eight senior outings, which included a man-of-the-match display against Bath.

The pair are both England qualified, and Falcons head coach Alan Tait is delighted to have their futures secured ahead of a festive period that will see his side face Sale, Northampton and Exeter.

Tait said: "I am delighted that Michael has decided to re-sign for the club and with Richard I told him that it would be nice for him to stay with his brother.

"Richard has extended his deal to match his brother's. This is the time of the year when we are looking to build - we are talking to players and agents at the moment.

"Hopefully this is the start of some more lads coming into the club. We are looking to strengthen the squad and there are also about 12 players we are looking to re-sign so hopefully we will get them to commit."

Newcastle have already secured the services of England Under-18 prop Scott Wilson on a long-term deal.

The Eyemouth-born front rower has progressed from the Falcons' academy and will start full-time training once he has completed his A-levels in the summer.

Wilson is currently captain of Sedbergh School first XV and follows in the footsteps of the likes of Will Carling, Will Greenwood, Phil Dowson and James Simpson-Daniel, who all attended the Cumbrian school.

Falcons Academy coach Mark Laycock said: "Scott has been a member of our academy since he was 14 and has taken big strides towards becoming an outstanding young player.

"He has played for the various Newcastle Falcons age group teams along his development path and currently joins in training with the first team when he is not at boarding school."