Witty receives England call up
Fresh from his try-scoring senior team debut against Bucharest Wolves last Friday, Falcons Senior Academy player Will Witty has received a call up to the England Under 20s side.
The Yorkshireman will join up with the rest of the squad after Christmas with hopes of playing a part for his country in the 2015 Six Nations tournament.
Speaking after Friday’s game Witty, 19, said: “It’s great news and I’m really looking forward to it! I can’t wait to get involved after Christmas and hopefully get some game time!”
Falcons Academy Head Coach James Ponton said: “We’re really pleased for Will – it’s a great achievement for him. Will looked to be a very promising talent when he joined us as a student from Newcastle University but since signing with us full time he’s come on even further.
“The increased focus on his training has really aided Will’s development and he’s been doing a sterling job for our A Team and also for Blaydon, where he is dual registered. Will showed that he’s capable of stepping up to that next level in the game against Bucharest last week and we look forward to seeing him make an impact for England Under 20s next spring.”
Making his first senior appearance for the Falcons in last Friday’s European Rugby Challenge Cup game against Bucharest Wolves, Witty touched down to open the Falcons’ try scoring tally after less than two minutes on the field.
“It’s everyone’s dream to make a debut for the first team and to make it over the line straight away too I was absolutely over the moon!
“For me personally the night went alright. There were a couple of mistakes but overall I think it went pretty well. I had quite a few carries so I was quite pleased with it.”
After starting their European charge with a 43-19 bonus point victory against the Romanian sides, the Falcons are keen to push on and continue their progress in a competition which Witty hopes will offer further opportunities for himself and the club’s other youngsters.
“Scoring two tries in the first five minutes and then finishing with a bonus point win was a great start to the competition.
“For me personally I’ll hopefully keep having good involvement in the European Cup. The overall aim is to play in the Premiership one day so just keep working hard and hopefully it’ll pay off.”
