After 170 appearances over nine seasons, club captain Callum Chick will depart Newcastle Falcons at the end of the current campaign.

The 28-year-old back-rower heads down to Northampton Saints, insisting he takes nothing but fond memories from his time on Tyneside.

Chick said: “It’s been an honour to represent my home town team for the best part of a decade, and to have captained them for the last couple of seasons.

“I’d like to thank all of our supporters for the tremendous backing they’ve given me throughout my time with the Falcons. Through the good and the tough, you’ve always been there.

“I also want to thank the players, with whom I’ve made lots of friends for life, the coaches and wider staff who I’ve had the joy to work with, and have played a huge part in making my time here so enjoyable.

“I started out as a fan at seven years old in the North Stand dreaming of one day playing at Kingston Park, so to be able to do that so many times has been nothing short of incredible.

“This city and this club will always be home. No matter what happens, I will always be a Newcastle Falcons fan at heart, and I wish this amazing club every success for the future.”

Director of rugby Steve Diamond said: “Callum has been an outstanding player and captain during my time with the club, and for many years prior.

“It’s obviously a blow to lose such a leader and a homegrown lad like him, but he has been fantastic to work with and we wish him nothing but the best.

“I know he’ll give us his absolute all between now and the end of the season, and I’m sure the Newcastle supporters will give him the send-off he deserves when the moment finally comes in a few weeks’ time.”