Dickson quits Falcons

9:27am Tuesday 8th April 2008

FORMER Barnard Castle School captain Lee Dickson is leaving Newcastle Falcons to join Northampton Saints at the end of the season.

The 23-year-old scrum half has been out of the team recently following injury, but had made nine Guinness Premiership starts this season and played for England Saxons.

As he has chosen to join the club who will be back in the Premiership next season following last year's relegation, his departure is a blow to Newcastle.

Acting Director of Rugby Steve Bates said: "Lee was out of contract at the end of this season, and scrum half is a position in which we have a wealth of talent.

"In James Grindal and Hall Charlton we have two vastly experienced players, plus an outstanding prospect in Micky Young, who is rapidly pushing his case for first team recognition on the back of some very strong performances for the Development XV."

Despite Bates' words, Charlton had fallen to third choice and was loaned to Blaydon until injury intervened when Dickson had established that he was the man for the future.

Dickson scored three tries for the Falcons in his 57 first team appearances, all coming in the European Challenge Cup, in which they have been allocated a Friday evening slot for their semi-final at Worcester.

The Sky-televised match will take place on April 25 with an 8pm kick-off and Falcons fans have been allocated tickets in the East Stand at £22 (£11 for juniors).

They can be booked by ringing 0871 226 6060.

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