Falcons buoyed by signings

Tait: New deal

Rob Vickers and Alex Tait have become the latest players to agree new deals at Newcastle Falcons.

The duo follow Micky Ward and Chris Pilgrim in signing on at Kingston Park - with England Saxons hooker Vickers extending his stay by a further two years, while 21-year-old full-back Tait has committed himself to a new 12-month contract.

And director of rugby Steve Bates believes both players are vital to the club's future plans.

"Rob and Alex are both key contract renewals for us, and evidence that our top players are backing the ambition being shown by the club as we prepare for next season," said Bates.

"Rob has crossed for three tries during his 24 appearances this season, establishing himself as a key performer on the Guinness Premiership stage and claiming a well-deserved call-up to the England Saxons squad.

"Alex has continued his own development by becoming a first team regular, and having come through the Falcons academy system he knows how much it means to represent his hometown team.

"Both players are key to the ambitious plans that we have here at the Falcons, and the fact that they are committed to the club gives us a great foundation on which we can build as we continue our recruitment and retention plans for 2010/11."