NEWCASTLE Falcons are the proud cornerstone of rugby union in the North-East and as a born-and-bred Geordie, James Fitzpatrick insists Dean Richards is keeping the heritage alive.

A dogged Newcastle have turned a few heads on their return to the Aviva Premiership this season, picking up gritty wins against Sale, Worcester and London Irish after the first seven rounds.

And, rather than relying on an array of international stars, the backbone of the Falcons side is made up of academy youngsters and local talent.

South Shields-born Fitzpatrick is joined by players such as Alex Tait, Tom Catterick and captain Will Welch who have always called the north east home, while Mark Wilson is also an academy product.

Despite a frustrating year when in the Championship, Fitzpatrick has started three Premiership games this season and believes north east rugby will only get stronger while Richards is in charge.

"Dean is massive on the academy boys and youngsters in the area," said Fitzpatrick, with more young talent set to turn out as they begin their LV= Cup campaign against London Irish on Sunday.

"He's using the local talent more and more and with players like Mark Wilson and I who have played for local clubs, it's great to see for rugby watchers in the north east.

"They don't just watch Newcastle, they go down to league clubs like Blaydon and Tynedale. They'll watch them at local level coming through and follow them all the way to the Falcons.

"Personally it's amazing for me to be playing for a club who have given me so much support. I get to stay at home and play for them and it's my responsibility to keep playing well.

"I didn't get as much game time last season as I wanted as I'd played quite a lot in the Premiership the year before.

"Then a couple of injuries going into this season have given me a chance to step in and earn the place back. I'm playing a lot and I'm just happy to be in the squad after a good pre-season of work."

Newcastle drafted in a reinforcements on Thursday in the form of Argentina international Gonzalo Tiesi, who will provide direct competition to centre Fitzpatrick.

However, ahead of the LV= Cup clash with Irish, the 26-year-old insisted that does not intend to shirk Tiesi's challenge and is adamant he will only get better as a result.

"Going into the season Tane Tu'ipulotu had retired and then Jamie Helleur got brought in but was then injured," he added. "So with Gonzalo coming in I think it brings the same competition I had at the start of the season.

"He's a quality player and it will be good to learn from a different style of centre. He's on the bench against England this week and a proven international, so it can only be good to have him as a helping hand and for the younger guys in particular."

Be part of the rugby family at the LV=Cup Final at Sandy Park, Exeter on March 16th. Tickets now available www.ticketmaster.co.uk