Will Welch announced as Newcastle Falcons captain for third consecutive season

Newcastle Falcons have announced back-row forward Will Welch will once again take up the role of club captain for the 2014/15 season.

Welch, 24, will lead Newcastle into the new Aviva Premiership campaign, his third successive season at the helm.

Director of rugby Dean Richards is delighted to have Welch leading his team, as the Falcons look to improve on last season’s 11th place finish.

He said: "Will is a talented young player who has come up through the academy at the club, and I am thrilled that he is continuing in the role as captain.

"It is a role which I'm sure can only be of benefit to his continued development, as well as to the development of the club."