Former England international Toby Flood has signed a new contract extension with the Newcastle Falcons as they look to be promoted to the Premiership once again.
The 34-year-old has agreed a new two-year deal and appears set to lead the Falcons back into the Premiership next season as they are currently top of the Championship table, 12-points clear of second-placed Ealing with only nine games remaining.
The 60-cap international admitted that he had to think about resigning due to his age, but wants to bring the club back to the top table of English Rugby.
“It’s not a decision that has been taken lightly. A lot of thought has gone into how my body is, and where I’m at in terms of being able to go again. After what happened last season with our relegation I feel a duty to set the record straight and put a few things right with regards to us competing well again in the Premiership, and I still feel I can make a positive contribution. We’re not in the Premiership yet and of course nothing is being taken for granted about our promotion, but I’m as keen as ever to keep on playing,” he said.
Having made 129 appearances over two stints with the club and having previously played for Leicester Tigers and Toulouse the back-liner is keen to help the next generation of youngsters come through at the Falcons.
“It’s also a club that I have a huge amount of love for after coming through the academy here and being from the region, the opportunity to spend another couple of seasons as a Newcastle Falcons player really does mean a lot to me. Everyone has seen this season how much quality we have coming through at the club in terms of the younger players, which really bodes well for our longer-term future. But I think guys like myself, Will Welch and some of the other players who have been around for a little while – we can help those guys to progress and get the most out of their ability,” he added.
His new deal is a big boost for the club as they bid to not only get back into the Premiership but stay there and they will need experience to do so which is exactly what the three-time Premiership champion has to offer.
