Guy Pepper signs new two-year contract with Newcastle Falcons

Newcastle Falcons have announced that open-side flanker Guy Pepper has signed a new two-year deal with the Gallagher Premiership club.

Pepper joined Newcastle Falcons’ senior academy in the summer of 2021 and has been a regular in the England age-grade teams.

He has made seven first-team appearances for the club and has already scored three tries.

“It’s an exciting challenge being up here with Newcastle, and I’m happy to be staying with the club," he told the club's official website.

“I’ve had a phonecall with Alex Codling who is coming in as head coach in the summer, and he seems like a top guy. It’s a new beginning at the club which I’m looking forward to being a part of, and hopefully I can contribute as much as possible.

“It’s a good group of lads and a great culture which I really enjoy being amongst, and the main thing for me now after a pretty rough start injury-wise is to get myself back on the pitch and making sure I stay there.”

Interim head coach Mark Laycock is delighted to retain the services of Pepper for another two seasons.

“Guy has already shown in his seven senior outings that he’s a quality player, and it’s great news to have him re-signed here,” he said.

“He’s extremely competitive in the contact area, which is a huge part of the game, and he’s been diligent in committing to his rugby while trying to complete his degree at Durham University.

“I’m really happy that he’s committed to the Falcons beyond this season, and with the likes of Callum Chick re-signing last week it shows we’re heading in the right direction.

“These guys are great players and will undoubtedly have had offers to go elsewhere, but they can see the positive foundations we are putting in place to improve as a club and have chosen to stay.”