Guy Pepper commits to Newcastle Falcons
The open-side flanker turned 20 earlier this month and has already scored three tries in his seven first-team appearances after bursting onto the scene as a graduate of the Falcons’ academy.
The former Barnard Castle School pupil scored against Northampton, Exeter and London Irish before suffering a season-ending foot injury, with interim head coach Mark Laycock delighted to have retained the services of the England age-group international.
“Guy has already shown in his seven senior outings that he’s a quality player, and it’s great news to have him re-signed here,” he said.
“He’s extremely competitive in the contact area, which is a huge part of the game, and he’s been diligent in committing to his rugby while trying to complete his degree at Durham University.
“I’m really happy that he’s committed to the Falcons beyond this season, and with the likes of Callum Chick re-signing last week it shows we’re heading in the right direction.
“These guys are great players and will undoubtedly have had offers to go elsewhere, but they can see the positive foundations we are putting in place to improve as a club and have chosen to stay.”
Pepper said: “It’s an exciting challenge being up here with Newcastle, and I’m happy to be staying with the club.
“I’ve had a phonecall with Alex Codling who is coming in as head coach in the summer, and he seems like a top guy. It’s a new beginning at the club which I’m looking forward to being a part of, and hopefully I can contribute as much as possible.
“It’s a good group of lads and a great culture which I really enjoy being amongst, and the main thing for me now after a pretty rough start injury-wise is to get myself back on the pitch and making sure I stay there.”
Reflecting on a whirlwind start to his senior career which saw him earning man-of-the-match honours and crossing the try-line on multiple occasions, Pepper said: “I made my debut down at Northampton in front of a big crowd, which was a surreal experience, and I’m grateful to the coaching team for having the faith in me to allow me to play.
“I then came in and had a few starts which was absolutely amazing, and the highlight of my career so far. Winning away at Gloucester was a fantastic day, and I’m just keen to push on now and really help the club move forward.
“In terms of my injury, hopefully I’ll be running again within the next two weeks and I’m aiming to be back in pre-season training, all things being well.”
Pepper becomes the latest in a line of top homegrown players to have renewed their contracts with Newcastle, following recently-announced extensions for the likes of Adam Radwan, Jamie Blamire, Ben Stevenson and Callum Chick.
Season tickets for the 2023-24 season are on sale now by [**clicking here**][1].
[1]: https://www.eticketing.co.uk/newcastle-falcons/EDP/Season/Index/1850?returnUrl=/newcastle-falcons/Seasons/Seasons
