Newcastle Falcons sign BUCS Super Rugby Player of the Season Max Pepper

Newcastle Falcons have announced the signing of BUCS Super Rugby Player of the Season Max Pepper on a one-year deal.

Brother of former Falcons flanker Guy Pepper, Max has already made two appearances for the club.

The England Students international recently completed his sports science degree at Durham University. During his time there, he excelled at BUCS Super Rugby, earning a spot in the league's Team of the Season and securing the tournament's top player award.

“I’m really excited for it, and it’s a massive opportunity for me,” said Pepper to the club's official website.

“This year I’ve had to balance finishing my degree and playing university rugby with training and playing at the Falcons, whereas now I can give it my full focus.

"I’m really looking forward to that because I believe I’ll improve as a result, and it’s also great to be joining a club where I know the lads and have a decent handle on how everything operates.

“It’s a good group, the culture is really positive and I’m just excited about properly throwing myself into it.”

Meanwhile the club has also confirmed that five local players also step up to the senior academy with the signings of centre Rhys Beeckmans, scrum-half Joe Davis, fly-half Junior Newton, back-rower Reuben Parsons and fellow back-rower Charlie Turnbull

Newcastle Falcons finished the 2023/24 season of the Gallagher Premiership at the bottom after losing all their 18 matches.