Michael joined the Falcons in the summer of 2009, from Scottish club Kelso.

A former Scotland Under-19s international, Michael comes from renowned rugby stock, with father Alan having been capped 27 times by Scotland as well as being a dual-code British Lion.

Tait's first season with the Falcons was a frustrating one due to a persistent foot injury, but the teenager did mark his debut against Harlequins with a sensational solo try as well as playing against Cardiff Blues in the Welsh capital before representing Scotland in the Under-20s World Cup in Argentina.

Tait played five times during a 2010-11 season cruelly cut short by injury, but after a successful rehabilitation programme Tait was back in contention for a berth in the 2011-12 season.