Sorenson: Contract extension.

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• Newcastle

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• Mark Sorenson

Newcastle Falcons have rewarded Mark Sorenson for a solid first full season at the club by handing him a new contract.

Sorenson will now be at Kingston Park until 2010, having joined from New Zealand side Bay of Plenty last autumn.

The big second row's experience has been invaluable to what is a relatively raw Falcons pack, and forwards coach Peter Walton was delighted to secure his future.

"Mark came very highly recommended to us from our scouting network in New Zealand before we watched him play a number of times, and his game is tailor-made for English rugby," said Walton.

Abrasive

"He is a big physical lock from the hard school of the Bay of Plenty, and he has fitted straight in to our side right from when he first arrived.

"Not only has Mark been an abrasive presence on the field, but his attitude behind the scenes has been superb. When we signed him we knew we were getting a very loyal club man and a tough competitor, so we look forward to working with Mark over the next three seasons in a rapidly-improving pack."

Sorenson will have a fellow New Zealander in the camp after this year's World Cup, following the recent commitment of All Black Carl Hayman to the Newcastle cause.

Walton admits he cannot help getting excited about the season ahead with the Kiwi pair in tandem.

"If you combine the Kiwi boys with the top English talent we have coming through then it promises to be a big season for us.

"We have Phil Dowson as club captain after his outstanding performances for an England Saxons squad which also included Ben Woods, but they are just a couple of names in a young pack with a lot of promise.

"We are already well underway with our pre-season training, and the ambition around the club at the moment is obvious to everyone involved."