Disappointed Newcastle confirm Guy Pepper exit: 'Life goes on'

Newcastle Falcons have confirmed that star flanker Guy Pepper will leave the club in the summer to join Gallagher Premiership rivals Bath - a move first reported by RugbyPass.

Althought the 20-year-old academey product has made just 23 appearances for the Falcons he has fast established himself as one of the club's brightest talents in what has been a difficult season for the side.

Standing at 6ft 3in, in his breakout 2022/23 season, he scored three tries in just seven games. His performance earned him a spot on England A, where he contributed to a victory over Portugal in February. Following this, he was named in England's training squad for the Six Nations finale against France by coach Steve Borthwick.

Pepper - who hails from a rugby family—his father an ex-Harlequins player and his brother a GB Sevens player — will join Bath for the 2024/25 season until at least the summer of 2027.

Newcastle Falcons chairman of rugby Matt Thompson said: “We share our supporters’ disappointment at Guy’s decision to move on, but of course we wish him the best of luck down at Bath.

“He has done really well for us and we made him an excellent offer to commit to Newcastle Falcons, who have developed, supported him and given him a platform to make his senior breakthrough.

“Life goes on, though, and we are putting systems in place to ensure our best young talent will remain with the club for many years to come.”

Head of Rugby, Johann van Graan, said: "Guy is one of the most talented and exciting back rowers in the English game. His hunger to improve and develop is evident and I believe he will be a big part of our team in the years to come."