Newcastle Falcons has announced its England Academy Scholars for the 2009/10 season.

These players will enter into an individually-tailored programme to help them maximise their rugby development over the next year.

Falcons academy manager, Mark Laycock, said: "For young players within our region the ultimate aim is to become an England Academy Scholar, as this is the route towards professional rugby.

"However, only a handful of players will ever be invited into this group, because of the elitist nature of professional sport.

"The door is always open to players who are performing and developing well, which is why we keep a close eye on the local rugby scene on a weekly basis.

"If anyone shows the potential to play at the highest levels they will be invited to train/play with the academy, and from there will have opportunities to progress through the academy system.

"Elite players should possess many attributes such as athleticism and physical potential, excellent rugby specific skills and game awareness and most importantly an honest and hard working attitude."

Newcastle Falcons England Academy Scholars 2009/2010:

Nathan Morris, hooker (U17)
Scott Wilson, tighthead prop (U16)
Tim Swinson, second row (U23)
Myles Scott, back row(U19)
Pete Browne, back row (U21)
Will Welch, flanker (U20)
Alex Gray, No.8 (U19)
Micky Young, scrum half (U21)
Rob Miller, fly half (U21)
Joel Hodgson, fly half (U18)
Alex Tait, full back (U21)
Tom Catterick, full back (U19)