England fly-half Jonny Wilkinson is poised to sign a new two-year contract with Newcastle that will see him stay with the Falcons even if they are relegated.
The 23-year-old has agreed the extension to his current deal which will tie him to Kingston Park until 2005.
Falcons director of rugby Rob Andrew said the news is a boost for everyone involved with the club, who are bottom of the Zurich Premiership.
"This is fantastic news," said the former England player. "Jonny has shown tremendous loyalty to the club despite our current position.
"We are very ambitious and Jonny wants to be part of a successful side.
"I am absolutely delighted and hope that Jonny stays and helps the club develop over many years."
Big money
Wilkinson's decision to stay in the north-east will come as a disappointment to Leicester among others, who were known to be monitoring the player's situation.
And the England's fly-half's status as the most valuable player in British - and possibly world - rugby could make him the best paid player in the country.
Newcastle have ploughed cash into transforming their stadium and chief executive John Parkinson said the new deal with Wilkinson can help match that with quality on the pitch.
"This deal puts us in an enviable position and maintains our position as one of the top sporting businesses in the region," Parkinson said.
"We have invested a great deal of time and money developing the Newcastle Falcons stadium into a world class sporting facility, attracting and harvesting world class players."
MMIX
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