Falcons academy graduate Spencer signs new contract
ONE of Newcastle Falcons’ brightest young talents, Oli Spencer, has committed to the club by signing a new two-year deal.
The versatile 20-year-old plays predominantly at centre or fullback and was part of the victorious England Under-20s squad which won this season’s Six Nations title, scoring a try against Ireland as his country went unbeaten throughout the entire competition.
Spencer came through the Falcons’ academy system during his time at Sedbergh School, with the well-travelled back having also lived in Australia and Qatar in his youth.
Spencer has already played seven first-team games, with consultant director of rugby Steve Diamond delighted he will be remaining in the North East.
“Oli is a talented kid and I’m really pleased he has agreed terms to stay here for another couple of seasons,” said Diamond.
“He has come through our pathway, he has done really well for England Under-20s this season and earned himself some first-team recognition here at the club. I’ve had no hesitation playing him in the Premiership because he has got the quality, and he’s one of the guys we will be looking to build the team around.” Spencer said: “I’ve really enjoyed my time at the Falcons so far and am excited to stay here for at least another two seasons.
“I’ve been at the club since I was 14, they’ve shown a lot of faith in me and I’ve got a load of good friends here, so it was an easy decision.” Insisting the opportunity for senior exposure and the positive work going on behind the scenes were both factors in his decision, he added: “For any aspiring young player it’s really important to feel like you’ve got that opportunity for game time at first-team level if you put the work in. “Newcastle are definitely a club who will give you that chance and they’ve looked after me really well, even when I’ve had serious injuries earlier in my career.
“It’s been awesome to make my firstteam and Premiership debuts for the Falcons this season, and to have seen so many academy lads doing the same.
“I see it as a really positive future for
Newcastle with Dimes [Diamond] coming in and the changes that have been going on, so
I’m more than happy that this is a club moving in the right direction.”
For any aspiring young player it’s really important to feel you’ve got that opportunity for game time
Oli Spencer