Newcastle have moved to sign two highly-rated juniors, with Joe Robinson and George McGuigan agreeing deals.
Robinson and McGuigan handed chance to impress
Newcastle have moved to sign two highly-rated juniors, with Joe Robinson and George McGuigan agreeing deals.
England Under-18s international Robinson, who can play in the second row or back row, has made the full-time switch from Kendal, while 18-year-old hooker McGuigan played for Darlington Mowden Park last season.
Both players have been on Newcastle's radar for a while, with Robinson having represented the Falcons at Under-16s and Under-18s levels and McGuigan having made a cameo appearance for the A team at Worcester in April.
Assistant academy coach Mark Laycock said: "Joe has a high work-rate and real athletic potential. He is someone who has been on our radar since he was 15 and has improved a lot over the past 12 months.
"We are confident that he will make the transition into senior rugby pretty seamlessly, given how well he has done for Kendal, Sedbergh School and England Under-18s.
Powerful
"George is the first player to come through our advanced apprenticeship in sporting excellence programme at Gosforth Academy and sign a professional contract in its short history. That is testament to the work Ed Midcalf has done with him over the past two seasons.
"George is a powerful ball carrier and is aggressive in the contact area. With full-time training and support he will no doubt develop into a very good professional."
Meanwhile, Newcastle have confirmed Calum McRae has joined the club as skills coach.
The 31-year-old, who played for Borders, Edinburgh and Worcester, makes the move from Italian Super 10 side Venezia.
"I'm really happy to have the opportunity to work here," said MacRae.
"I have spent a lot of time going through every Falcons Aviva Premiership game of last season to see how we can improve our game in the backs.
"I have spotted a few things and I am looking forward to working with the backs this season and most of all improving their game sense."
