Callum Chick named as Newcastle Falcons captain for 2023-24 season

Homegrown back-rower Callum Chick will captain Newcastle Falcons this season, with fellow North East native Tom Penny named as vice-captain.

The 26-year-old Chick has made 125 appearances for his hometown team and been capped three times by England, with the Ponteland native coming through the Falcons’ ACE programme at Gosforth Academy.

He will be supported by Penny, the 28-year-old Northumbrian who has played 86 times for the Falcons, with new head coach Alex Codling enthused by the local leadership ticket.

Codling said: “I’ve taken my time over this decision and wanted a proper chance to have a look at things, but having now had the opportunity to do that I’m delighted to announce Callum as our captain and Tom as his vice-captain.

“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Callum previously during our time together with England, and he is someone who has the respect of the entire group and will bring a lot to the role.

“Both he and Tom are from the local area, this is their club and they have a huge amount of pride at taking on these leadership positions. I’m looking forward to seeing their continued growth and the positive impact they will have on the squad this season.”

Chick, whose dad Brian also played for the club, said: “It’s a massive honour to be asked to captain Newcastle Falcons because it’s my hometown club, I used to come and watch them as a kid and I’ve played my entire career here.

“I’ve been lucky enough to play under some great captains and I’ve learnt plenty from each of those guys, and I’m also fortunate enough to have great support within the squad.

“As well as Tom Penny as my vice-captain we’ve got some great leaders in the likes of Brett Connon, Jamie Blamire and Adam Radwan to name just a few, and with them all being from our region it just goes to show the importance of local talent as we continue to move forward as a club.”

Penny, who has shone at both centre and full-back during his two spells with the Falcons, said: “I felt really honoured when Alex asked me to take on the vice-captaincy.

“I’ve grown up around the club, I’ve been involved with the Falcons for well over a decade and it’s doubly special to be supporting a good mate and a great leader like Chicky as our new captain.”