Vickers represented England Saxons in their Churchill Cup win against Canada

Newcastle Falcons head coach Alan Tait has backed Rob Vickers to show his qualities as captain in the absence of the injured lock James Hudson.

England Saxons hooker Vickers, 28, was the club's player of the year last season and Tait believes the Yorkshireman is ready to lead the side.

"His attitude in the last 18 months has been superb," Tait told BBC Newcastle.

"He works hard on his personal game, he believes in how good he is and he wants this club to do the same."

Tait added: "I'm happy for Rob to lead the guys and I hope he gets the result he wants."

Vickers joined Newcastle Falcons academy as a student and has gone on to make 66 appearances for the club in five seasons, as well as representing England Saxons during their summer Churchill Cup campaign.

The Falcons have begun the season with a handsome home win over Wasps but defeats at Sale and Exeter have tempered the optimism and with London Irish in wait at Kingston Park this Saturday, Tait is keen to lift the pressure on his players at home.

"These guys are proud. They want to put a real performance on when they play at home, and that's all I want them to do.

"I just want them to go out there, do what they do in training, and they'll be very difficult to beat.

"It's about getting that belief, getting a good run and I'm sure it'll come and we'll become a difficult side to beat at home."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version