Newcastle Falcons scrum-half James Elliott has signed a contract extension which will keep him at the club until the end of the 2025-26 season.

The 25-year-old was a pivotal part of Jersey’s RFU Championship title triumph last year, and started for the Channel Islanders during their away win at Bath in September’s Premiership Rugby Cup clash.

The North East native returned to his home region in the autumn following Jersey’s withdrawal from the league, and has so far made seven first-team appearances for the Falcons.

“I’m really excited about where the club’s going and I’m grateful to have the chance to be part of it,” said Elliott, who is currently sidelined with a foot injury.

“There have been a lot of changes at the club so over the past week it seems like a very different place, and we’ll be able to build something good here for the long term.”

A rollercoaster season saw Jersey going out of business, with the scrum-half returning to his home club and making his Premiership debut when Newcastle earned a four-try bonus point at Sale Sharks.

“I’ve really enjoyed it even though we haven’t got the results we wanted, but there’s enough talent here to turn things round,” said Elliott.

“I was buzzing to play my first Premiership game, and it was doubly special with being for my local club. I love being back in the North East, and prior to my injury it was great to have so many involvements.”

Explaining the foot issue which will see him sidelined for the next couple of months, Elliott said: “I’ve damaged the Lisfranc ligament in the top of my foot, but it doesn’t need an operation.

“If everything goes well I might be might be back fit for the last few games of the season, but failing that I’ll be able to take a full part in pre-season and really look to fly into it from there. I’m obviously gutted I’m missing out on a lot of the good work which is getting done during this two-month training block, but I’m still around the environment and keen to be involved where I can.”

Newcastle Falcons attack coach Tom Williams worked closely with Elliott during his time in Jersey, and is delighted to have the Co. Durham man on board for the longer term.

“James offers us a lot in terms of his kicking game, his speed to breakdown and his game management,” said Williams.

“His game has really come on over the past couple of years through a lot of hard work, and it’s been great seeing make that breakthrough into the Premiership.

“When he came in he made a big difference to the squad, he’s great around the environment and it’s positive news that he will be around for the next couple of seasons.”