Louie Johnson signs up for another season
The 19-year-old is in his second season with the Falcons’ senior academy – the former Sedbergh Schoolboy kicking a last-minute touchline winner at Welford Road when Newcastle defeated Leicester Tigers in Premiership Rugby Cup action earlier this season.
Able to play fly-half or full-back, the former Penrith RFC junior has also been playing for Darlington Mowden Park in National One this season.
Newcastle Falcons’ interim head coach Mark Laycock welcomed news of Johnson’s contract extension, saying: “I’m delighted that Louie is saying on with us.
“He’s a talented player who hasn’t had a huge amount of opportunity with our first-team so far, but he’s got a lot of ability. We’re looking forward to helping him flourish in our environment and he gives us some great options with his ability to play 10 and 15.
“His exposure to full-back over the last year or so has helped to develop his overall game understanding, and the modern game requires players who are versatile in terms of the roles they can perform.
“His kicking has been improving loads, he’s got a good skill-set with ball in hand, he’s quick and he attacks the line. It’s exciting as a coach to be working with guys like that and we’re all looking forward to helping Louie make that breakthrough.”
Johnson said: “It’s been a good two years so far with the Falcons and we’ve seen a lot of change recently – positive changes I believe which will point us in the right direction.
“I’m excited about next season with Alex Codling coming in as our new head coach, working guys like Mark Laycock who is another outstanding coach.
“There’s a good group of young players here, a lot of them local, and the club’s moving forward. I want to be part of it and that was a big reason behind signing up again.”
Expanding his horizons by playing some rugby at full-back recently, he added: “I’ve had some exposure at 15 this season which has been new to me, but I’ve enjoyed it.
“You get a lot more space there, which I like, and with pace being one of my attributes it’s another way to try and bring that more into the game.
“It’s opened up my eyes and taught me more about back-field space which is crucial for playing fly-half, and I’ll be a better all-round player for the experience.
“Ultimately if I can play two positions it also makes me more valuable to the squad, and I’m happy to see where it goes.”
Season tickets for 2023-24 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
