Newcastle Falcons have started preparations for their annual raid on the Scottish border Sevens circuit, which starts next Saturday with the Melrose Sevens.

The young Falcons squad was out at Kingston Park under the tutelage of academy manager John Fletcher and assistant Ian Peel on Tuesday, as they prepare to face Ayr in the first round of the Melrose competition.

That will be followed by the Hawick Sevens on Saturday April 15, and the Langholm Sevens on April 22, both of which the Falcons won last season.

Speaking ahead of the Sevens campaign, Fletcher said: “We will be fielding young squads in all three tournaments.

“Having Ollie Phillips involved would be a big boost for the squad if he isn’t involved in the first team games, because he brings with him a lot of pace and international Sevens experience.

“Hopefully we will have Cameron Johnston with us, who has also played internationally this season for Scotland, although his participation is not certain yet as he may be called up by the Scottish squad.

“Lee Dickson being out injured is a big blow to us because he was immense last year in captaining the squad, but the three tournaments will all be fantastic experience for the youngsters as they continue their development.”