Vickers made his Falcons debut against Montauban in 2006

Newcastle hooker Rob Vickers has agreed a new one-year deal with the Falcons.

The 27-year-old front row has been a regular fixture in the Falcons pack this season and believes the time is right to commit himself to the club.

"We feel like we're making good progress here at Newcastle, and it's great that I will be a part of that next season," he said.

"Over the past couple of months we have seen a bit more of what this team is all about."

The Yorkshireman has scored two tries in his 18 appearances this season, and with director of rugby Steve Bates tending to focus on forwards-based rugby, Vickers has flourished in the Falcons system.

He came in to our system late, not until he had finished university, but he is a great role model for youngsters who may not have been picked up by the academies. Director of rugby Steve Bates

"Rob has been one of our most improved performers this season, and he is really developing well as a first-team regular," said Bates.

"He came in to our system late, not until he had finished university, but he is a great role model for youngsters who may not have been picked up by the academies.

"Through sheer hard work and a determination never to give up he has earned his right to play at this level, and I'm delighted that he will be with us for at least the next year."

Vickers helped Durham University to the BUSA British Universities title at Twickenham back in 2004, before taking a full-time job.

After filling in for the Falcons development team, he gradually worked his way through the system before finally making his Premiership starting debut towards the end of the 2007-08 season away to Leeds.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version