Centre Max Clark joins Newcastle Falcons

Wednesday 18 December 2024 Written by: Mark Smith

Experienced centre Max Clark has bolstered Newcastle Falcons’ midfield options by joining on a three-month deal.

The 29-year-old made 93 appearances for Bath before spending time with the Dragons and Cardiff, with the 6-foot-2 former England Under-20s international training with Saracens for the majority of this season.

Newcastle Falcons director of rugby Steve Diamond said: “It’s no secret that we’ve taken a hit to our midfield with a couple of recent injuries, and Max is a quality option to come in and really make an impact.

“He has played more than 100 top-flight games, he’s at a good age and he’s got all the attributes to come in and make a positive difference.

“He has been training with Saracens this season, he played for them in the Prem Cup and has also had a couple of run-outs for Ampthill over the past few weeks. He is starting with us today and will be available for selection immediately.”

Delighted to be linking up with the Falcons, Clark said: “I’m massively excited about the whole thing.

“The chance to come up to Newcastle and hopefully play some rugby is absolutely fantastic, and I love the kind of backs-against-the-wall mentality that the Falcons have. We’ve got a chance to do something quite special and prove a lot of people wrong, and that whole underdog mind-set can be really powerful.”

Relishing the opportunity get some game time, the Bridgend-born centre said: “I’m very thankful to Saracens because they’ve allowed me to train full-time with them since the start of their pre-season, and have a few run-outs in the Prem Cup and friendly games. Training there has been brilliant and I can’t thank them enough, but like any rugby player the thing you really want to do when the weekend comes round is get out there and play.

“I’m obviously taking nothing for granted in terms of selection at Newcastle and I know I’ll have to fight hard for a place, but when the call came in from Steve Diamond I just knew it was a great option.”

Asked if he prefers inside or outside centre, Clark said: “I’ve played plenty of games at both, and I wouldn’t say I have a particular preference.

“Some coaches will do it differently in terms of one being a play-maker, being more direct or having the two interchangeable, but over the course of my career it’s been pretty much a 50-50 split between 12 and 13, and I really don’t mind.

“I’d love to say I’ve got the speed of Adam Radwan and the flair of Finn Russell, but the reality is I lean more towards the nitty-gritty side of things. Work rate, defence and running the hard yards are more what my game is based on, but I think there’s always a place for that in rugby and I’ll be suited to what Newcastle are trying to do.”

Having recently said goodbye to his trademark long flowing locks, Clark explained: “I actually had my hair cut off for charity a little while back. When I first turned up at Sarries everyone was like ‘who’s that guy?’ before the penny eventually dropped!”

MAX CLARK BIOG

Position: Centre

Born: 3/10/95

Height: 1.91m (6ft 2)

Weight: 100kg (15st 10)

Honours: England U20s