BROWN SAVES HIS BEST FOR FALCONS
Released by Sunderland at 15, the boyhood Newcastle United and Falcons fan was snapped up by academy manager Mark Laycock after a string of solid displays for Durham County under-16s.
Scoring a try and providing an assist for fellow wing-man Zach Kibirige during Saturday’s 19-17 victory over Leeds Carnegie in the Aviva Under-18s League, football’s loss could be rugby’s gain.
Now Brown, 18, has his sights set on establishing himself at Kingston Park under the stewardship of experienced campaigner Dean Richards.
“I’m really excited at what the future might bring for me, and I want to get to the point where I’m playing first team rugby week in, week out like Alex Tait and Tom Catterick, who came through the academy system,” said the former Prudhoe High School pupil.
Admitting it was difficult to pick himself up following his release from the Stadium of Light, Brown said: “When I got released by Sunderland it knocked my confidence, but then I thought I would give rugby a try and I absolutely fell in love with the game.
> From the day I joined the Falcons Junior set-up it has always been my
> focus to reach the top at Newcastle Falcons.
Finding a steely determination and desire to hang the gloves up and pull out the gum shield, Brown has never looked back as he looks to be a part of the Falcons’ ‘new era.’
He added: “Just been able to pull on the Falcons jersey for the Junior Academy gives me goose bumps, and my dream is to play for this club for the whole of my career.
“I’ve always been a supporter of the football and rugby clubs in this city and I’ve always backed this club, so you could say that I’m a true Geordie.
“That’s why it is extra special for me to be playing for the Falcons.”
You can read more from the talented winger in this Friday’s match day programme as the Falcons take on Moseley in the RFU Championship (kick-off 8pm).
We will have all the team news plus pre-match interviews with Dean Richards, Ally Hogg and Michael Tait tomorrow.
Tickets are available for the game by calling the Falcons Ticket Hotline or click here to purchase online.
