JAMES HUDSON is hoping to celebrate his two-year contract extension by helping Newcastle Falcons into the semi-finals of the LV=Cup this weekend.

Skipper Hudson signed a new two-year deal yesterday morning, having moved to Kingston Park from London Irish in 2009.

The lock forward is a key component of Alan Tait’s plans for the next two years, and his retention represents a considerable boost to the Falcons head coach.

Hudson cited a winners’ medal as one of his key ambitions when he took over the captain’s armband, and a maiden final appearance would move a giant step closer if Newcastle were to beat Exeter tomorrow.

A victory would guarantee Falcons an LV=Cup semi-final spot, with the competition offering a possible route into next season’s Heineken Cup.

“I’m delighted to have signed a new contract and be a part of the club going forward,”

said Hudson. “The club has a really good future and I want to help the Falcons achieve great success. Hopefully, that starts this weekend.

“You don’t get many opportunities to play in big cup games. I’m a really strong believer in cup competitions and this is an excellent chance for us to achieve something. We need to put on a good performance for our fans.”

Hudson has been the subject of sustained interest from a number of Newcastle’s Aviva Premiership rivals, but having enjoyed his time in the North-East, the 29-year-old second row has opted to pledge his long-term future to Kingston Park.

“James is a fantastic role model for the rest of the players at the club,” said Tait. “It’s great news for the club and the region that he’s committed his future here.

“There were other clubs interested in him but he could see what we we’re trying to do here, and he chose to stay with us.”

Tait has made five changes to the Falcons side that lost at Bath last weekend, with New Zealand lock Andrew van der Heijden in for his first start.

James Hall replaces Euan Murray, who is on international duty with Scotland but would not have been available for a Sunday game anyway.

Jeremy Manning returns to his favoured full-back berth, with Alex Tait switching to the wing to replace Gcobani Bobo. Centre Luke Eves makes way for local boy James Fitzpatrick, who gets the nod at number 12.

“Exeter are a big, physical side and they set their stall out from the start keeping their big pack together,” said Tait.

“You look at their pack and you can see they are very well organised when they get into a rhythm.

“You’ve got to stop them early and put the big men on the deck. With this group of players, we won’t go far off form.

“They know they’ve got the jersey and it’s up to them to keep hold of it.

“Cup rugby is all about taking your chance and, if we win the game, we’re definitely through.

“It’s a great incentive and I love cup rugby.

It was a big part of my life when I played for Leeds and Widnes.”

Falcons: Manning, Fielden, Tu’ipulotu, Fitzpatrick, Tait, Gopperth, Young; Golding, Thompson, Hall, Hudson, van der Heijden, Swinson, Welch, Hogg.