Tampin on board for two more years
The 29-year-old has played 29 times for the club since joining from Ealing Trailfinders in the summer of 2019 – the former Leeds, Rotherham and Jersey tight-head grabbing his top-flight opportunity with both hands.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time here since I came up to Newcastle two years ago,” said Tampin, who has made 17 first team appearances this season.
“It’s been a strange period in many ways with going unbeaten in the Championship, having the season cut short, eventually being promoted and then playing in the Premiership without supporters for most of this season.
“It’s been very enjoyable, though, and on a personal level it’s been my first proper season of Premiership rugby.
“I’d built up my levels of experience following a good shift in the Championship, and I think that’s put me in a decent place in terms of making the step up.
“Obviously playing in the Premiership you’re up against international players pretty much every week and there’s a huge intensity around each game, but I feel like I’m learning and improving.”
Hopeful of a strong finish to the season with Worcester at home and Harlequins away, Tampin said: “Setting aside the dip in the middle we’ve had some good results this season, and it’s been great to be involved in the match-day 23 on a pretty consistent basis.
“I get on well with the boys, I enjoy living in Newcastle, I’m coaching over at Tynedale and there are just a load of different factors which all pointed towards staying here.”
Director of rugby Dean Richards echoed his prop’s positivity, saying: “Mark has made the step up this season and acquitted himself well, having been a stand-out player in the Championship for a number of years.
“He is improving and adding to his game all the time, and it’s a sign of his progression that one of our tries a couple of weeks ago involved him making a line-break and two offloads in the opposition 22.
“As well as his playing ability he buys into the team spirit and culture which is so important here, and we’re glad that he will be with us for another couple of years.”
