Promising utility back Tom Catterick is the latest young gun to put pen to paper on a new contract with the Newcastle Falcons.

The 20-year-old Darlington born player has progressed through the clubs’ successful academy system, and follows youngsters Mark Wilson, Will Welch and James Fitzpatrick in committing his future to the club.

“There are not many grounds I would like to play on more than Kingston Park,” said Catterick.

“You grow up watching the club and you idolise the stars but they’re just normal guys when you meet them. It just means so much to walk out onto Kingston Park in front of your own fans,” he said.

Catterick, who attended Barnard Castle School, has been impressive for the Development Team this term. Academy manager Richard Arnold and his assistant Mark Laycock have been instrumental in developing Catterick’s all round game, as he looks to cement a regular first team berth.

Laycock, who mentored Catterick through the academy ranks, told media manager Stewart McCullough: “Since joining the academy as a 14-year-old, Tom has always shown promise as an outstanding young player. He has grown in maturity over the past two years and we are delighted that he has decided to continue his development at the club.”

An avid Falcons follower as a child, Catterick admits it was a no brainer to sign on the dotted line adding: “It was an easy decision for me to make as we’ve got a great set-up here. As a player coming through, I get the chance to work with some of the first team guys every day.

“People like Jimmy Gopperth and Jeremy Manning help the youngster’s progress. Hopefully I can put a marker down between now and the end of the season.”

Catterick made his debut for the Falcons in the 2009/10 season in the Amlin Challenge Cup win over Albi.

DOB: 18/10/1990

Birthplace: Darlington

Height: 1.78m (5’ 10”)

Position: Fly-half/Full back