IRELAND under-20s hooker George McGuigan has been rewarded for his continued progress with a new one-year deal at Newcastle Falcons.
Still yet to feature for the club’s first-team, the front-rower (pictured right – has been a regular in the Ireland age-group side during this season’s Six Nations,and has continued his development with National One game-time at Tynedale.
A graduate of the Falcons’ apprenticeship scheme at Gosforth Academy, McGuigan’s contract extension comes just two days after his 20th birthday.
The Yorkshire-born hooker said: “I am delighted to have re-signed at the Newcastle Falcons and I am excited at the club’s ambitious plans.
“The whole team spirit at the club is second to none at the moment, and it is a fantastic environment in which to train and play your rugby.
“Our academy manager Mark Laycock and academy coach James Ponton have had a massive impact on my development at the club, as well as Dean Richards who has had an impact on me off the field.”
McGuigan forms part of a Falcons’ hooking roster including England Saxons caps Rob Vickers and Matt Thompson, who have shared the majority of the Championship game time between them this season.
Kiwi Michael Mayhew has another year left to run on his Kingston Park contract, but limited minutes under director of rugby Richards and a loan move to London Irish seem to have placed the former North Harbour man down the pecking order as the league leaders look to bounce back to the Premiership at the first attempt.
His signature continues Richards’ policy of retaining the best of his homegrown talent, a desire which has long been a problem for a Newcastle side repeatedly hit by their brightest prospects taking flight.
England under-18s wing Zach Kibirige has already pledged his long-term future to the Kingston Park club after a breakthrough season for the A-Level student, who last weekend helped his Yarm School side to win the Daily Mail Vase final at Twickenham.
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