Ben Stevenson signs new contract with Falcons
The 24-year-old Teessider has scored 18 tries in 61 games since coming through the Falcons’ academy, having played his junior rugby for Yarm School and Middlesbrough RUFC.
“Quite a few of the boys have re-signed, it’s a great group of lads and I enjoy being part of this club,” said Stevenson, who plays wing and centre.
“A lot of us came through the academy here and it’s great to be part of your local club. We’ve also had a few good results lately, there’s a lot of positivity around the place and I’m happy to have the contract all sorted.”
Newcastle Falcons head coach Dave Walder said: “Ben is another one of our homegrown players who has come through the system and done really well for us.
“He’s a good finisher who brings pace and power to the game, and it’s great news for the club that the likes of Ben see their future here.
“We’ve always spoken about our local core being really important along with the quality we bring in from elsewhere, and it’s testament to our region and our academy that guys like Ben keep coming through.”
Newcastle’s last three home games in the league have seen them beating Exeter Chiefs, Sale Sharks and champions Leicester Tigers, with Stevenson confident the club are well-placed to attack the remainder of the campaign.
“If we keep pushing in the right direction I think the future is bright for the Falcons, and considering how tight the Premiership table is we could be right in the mix,” he said.
“It’s amazing how close everybody is in the league. We’re not far away from the play-offs and there’s a massive opportunity available to us during the rest of the season.
“We’ve had a few good results in the league, so it’s incredibly important we follow them up in the next block of games and continue that momentum. Our home form has been the foundation of that, and if we can start doing it on the road as well we’ll be in a great place.
“Our home crowd are great for us, and have been a big factor in those results against Exeter, Sale and Leicester. The more fans we get in here the better, because the lads really respond to the way they get behind us.”
Stevenson and his team-mates are currently on a rest week ahead of back-to-back games against Southern Knights, firstly in Melrose on Saturday February 4 and then a week later at Kingston Park.
“After the Connacht game last weekend the boys have got a week off to recharge a bit, and then really look to use the two games against Southern Knights to set the tone for the remainder of the season,” he said.
“It’s different opposition to what we normally face, it keeps things fresh and it should be fun. It’s for a great cause with Doddie Weir’s foundation, and I’m sure the crowd will help to raise a decent amount.”
Click **[HERE][1]** for ticketing information for the Southern Knights game on Saturday February 11.
[1]: https://www.eticketing.co.uk/newcastle-falcons/EDP/Event/Index/1834
