Newcastle 'looking to build the team around' Spencer after new deal

Newcastle Falcons and England U20 centre Oli Spencer has signed a new two-year deal with the club.

The 20-year-old has played seven games for the club to date, including a start in the recent 85-14 loss to Bristol Bears in the Gallagher Premiership, having come through the Newcastle academy.

Newcastle consultant director of rugby Steve Diamond said that Spencer is one of the players that he will build his team around, with a number of young stars already agreeing to leave Kingston Park at the end of the season. Prop Phil Brantingham, 22, and fly-half Louie Johnson, 21, have both agreed to join Saracens, while flanker Guy Pepper, 21, will move to Bath.

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“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.

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“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 was part of the victorious England side at this year’s U20 Six Nations, scoring in their draw with Ireland.

After signing, he 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.”

“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 first team 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 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.”