Prop forward Kieran Brookes has signed a one-year contract extension with Newcastle Falcons.
Promising prop staying at Kingston Park
Prop forward Kieran Brookes has signed a one-year contract extension with Newcastle Falcons.
The 19-year-old tight head has made 10 first-team appearances this season, including his first Guinness Premiership start in the win over Sale on April 23, and has represented England at Under 20 level.
"Kieran has made great strides in his first year as a professional, and we're delighted that one of England's most promising young tight heads sees his future here at the Falcons," said Newcastle director of rugby Steve Bates.
"He is some physical specimen at 124kg, but in addition to his size and scrummaging he also brings considerable footballing and ball-carrying ability to the table.
"That will improve even further with another full pre-season under his belt, and it is great news for the club that we have retained his services in the face of strong competition from elsewhere."
Learning curve
Brookes, who joined Newcastle from Kirkham Grammar School, was delighted to put pen-to-paper on a new contract.
"It has been a steep learning curve this season going into the professional ranks, but I feel like I'm making progress and really enjoying my rugby here at Newcastle," he said.
"It was fantastic to get my first Guinness Premiership start last Friday at Sale - I enjoyed the experience and I'm hungry to push on further.
"Newcastle is the ideal place for me to do that with the set-up and the ambition here at the club right now, and I can't wait to be involved."
