Three-year deal for George Wacokecoke
The 25-year-old has scored 13 tries in his 32 appearances for the Falcons, shining at both wing and centre.
“I’m chuffed about this deal and happy at the club,” said the Fijian-born player, who moved to England during his childhood due to his father’s service in the British Army.
“I’m really enjoying my rugby and being around my mates every day, so it’s great to have things sorted for another three years.”
An England Students international as a result of his time at Northumbria University, Wacokecoke was instrumental in helping the Falcons to last season’s RFU Championship title, and has continued his progression by scoring four tries in 15 appearances this season.
“It’s been a big year for me personally in which I’ve learnt a lot of lessons, but I know I’m in the right place to continue that progression,” said the former Bath and Darlington Mowden Park man.
“We’ve had our ups and downs this season – starting strongly, suffering a bit of a dip in the middle of the campaign but now coming back well towards the end – and it just feels like there’s something brewing up here.
“There’s a lot of competition for spots, which is great, and it just means you have to push yourself to even have a chance of being selected every week.
“That’s the way you get the best out of yourself, but I think the biggest thing at the moment is we’re just playing with a really positive mind-set.
“It’s fun to play that kind of rugby, and to have so many boys who have come through together from our academy. I’m not originally from the area but I’ve been up here a while now through university and various things, and it’s cool that we have such a strong connection with the region.”
Director of rugby Dean Richards was equally upbeat at the announcement of Wacokecoke’s new contract, saying: “George is a very dangerous player.
“He has great skills, his footwork and handling are good and he brings people into the game.
“He’s also proven himself to be a strong finisher by scoring some excellent tries, and as we continue to build our squad over the next few seasons he will remain an important player for us.”
