Newcastle Falcons

Less than 24 hours after snapping up England under-18 forward Joe Robinson, hooker, George McGuigan is the latest young starlet to sign professional forms with Newcastle Falcons.

McGuigan, 18, who hails from Richmond, North Yorkshire caught the eye of club bosses following a string of impressive performances last season. The talented No. 2 played for North of England last term before crossing the pond to turn out for Irish under-18 clubs through the Irish Exiles route.

While registered with Mowden Park RFC, McGuigan made a cameo appearance for Newcastle ‘A’ at Worcester back in April. Assistant academy coach Mark Laycock has kept a close eye on the former Darlington RFC junior, who went on to represent Durham County at every age group. He said: “George is the first player to come through our Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence programme at Gosforth Academy and sign a professional contract in its short history. That is testament to the work Ed Midcalf has done with him over the past two seasons. “George is a powerful ball carrier and is aggressive in the contact area. With full-time training and support he will no doubt develop into a very good professional.”