Hooker Jamie Blamire has become the latest Newcastle Falcons player to agree a new two-year contract extension with the Greene King IPA Championship leaders.
The 22-year-old has scored six tries in his 14 appearances this season – the West Cumbrian having graduated through the Falcons’ academy and AASE scheme.
Director of rugby Dean Richards said: “Jamie has worked incredibly hard to make his first team breakthrough over the past year, and has taken the opportunity with both hands.
“He scored on his Premiership debut down at Gloucester last season, he scored a fantastic individual try away to Sale Sharks which got us a place in the Premiership Cup semi-final and he has continued that form during the current season.
“He is a real threat for opposition defences, and he is learning all the time. He has that inherent aggression that you want in a player and I’m absolutely delighted he will be staying with us.”
Blamire was a relative latecomer to rugby union after playing rugby league during his youth in Workington, where he eventually switched codes and played for Workington Zebras. County recognition followed with Cumbria, and at the age of 16 he moved over the Pennines to join the Falcons’ AASE scheme at Gosforth Academy.
Progressing onto a senior academy contract and this season onto a first-team deal, Blamire also represented England Under-20s in the Junior World Championship in Georgia two years ago.
He said: “I really enjoy it at the Falcons, I feel like I’m making progress here and it’s a great environment.
“I know the areas I need to work on and I’m doing that with the coaches, but it’s an exciting time for the Falcons with so many of the younger lads pushing through and challenging.
“We’re unbeaten this season and working hard to achieve our goal of promotion back to the Premiership, and for me it’s just a case of keeping my head down and pushing hard for selection.”
Blamire becomes the fourth Falcons player to have announced a contract extension, following on from Adam Radwan, Gary Graham and Alex Tait.
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