Andy Perry has been with the Falcons for three seasons (Getty)

The 33-year-old former Royal Marine joined the Falcons from Plymouth in 2005 and coach John Fletcher is delighted to have extended his deal.

He said: "Andy has improved year on year since he has been with us and is playing the best rugby of his career.

"He is an outstanding person who contributes a lot in one of the most important positions on the pitch."

Having spent the last three seasons at Kingston Park Perry now feels settled on Tyneside and is enjoying his rugby.

"Newcastle is very much my home now," he said. "I feel like an adopted Geordie and I�m looking forward to the next two years at Kingston Park.

"Having started as a professional player late in life I perhaps have an advantage even at 33, in that I still feel fresh and ready for the challenge of Guinness Premiership and European rugby for a long time to come.

"The Falcons pack is improving all the time, and we have a great bunch of players here with a fantastic supportive atmosphere among the group."