Just days after Jimmy Gopperth committed his future to the Falcons, the Kiwi goal-kicking sensation was in the community with fellow teammate Tim Swinson coaching Ponteland under-7s and under-8s ahead of this weekend’s Falcons Cup.

And this week the Sunderland under-7s and under-8s also received some top tips from front-rowers Grant Shiells and Rob Vickers as they gear up for the festival too.

Ponteland coach Simon Wilson said: “The kids had a great time on Sunday with Jimmy Gopperth, Tim Swinson and Dan Simpson visiting us and running a session for the under-6s to under-8s.

“The guys did a great job and we really appreciate the time spent at the grass-roots level.”

This Saturday the under-7s and under-8s Falcons Cup sees more than 40 teams and 500 youngsters compete at Kingston Park as part of the Newcastle Falcons’ dedication to local grass-roots rugby.

40 teams from across the North East and Cumbria will go head-to-head in the preliminary rounds on the West Pitch before embarking on parade around the pitch.

The under-7s and under-8s finals will take place on the first team pitch at half-time of the London Irish game so please give your support for the youngsters on their big day.

Tickets are available for the Irish game by calling the Falcons Ticket Hotline on 0871 226 6060 or click here to purchase online.