New deal for Sam Stuart at Newcastle Falcons

Scrum-half Sam Stuart has committed to Newcastle Falcons for another two seasons.

The 29-year-old has played 57 times during his four years with the club, scoring four tries in 12 games this season.

Stuart joined Newcastle from Championship club Richmond in the summer of 2017, having previously been under the tutelage of Falcons director of rugby Dean Richards during their time together at Harlequins.

Richards said: “Sam is a very skilful and dynamic player who helps push our high-tempo game.

“He consistently drives the competition at scrum-half through his high levels of performance, and naturally we’re glad that we’ve secured his services for at least the next two seasons.”

An England international throughout the age groups, Stuart said: “I’m delighted to be staying with the Falcons.

“It’s been an up-and-down time with making the Premiership semi-finals, playing some big Champions Cup games then being relegated, then promoted straightaway, but we’re back in the top flight now and I feel we’re making positive progress as a club.

“I just love the team culture up here and think we’ve got a great group of boys, so it wasn’t a very difficult decision to re-sign.

“I’m obviously playing in a competitive position with some very good players, so I’ve just got to keep working hard and make the most of my minutes when I get the chance to take the field.”