Newcastle extension brings an end to Max Clark's 'difficult period'

Former England U20s midfielder Max Clark has extended his short-term deal at Newcastle, reaching agreement with Steve Diamond that he will now stay at Kingston Park until the end of the 2024/25 season.

Clark, who last Sunday started his fifth match in succession for the Falcons, was snapped up as injury cover in December after spending the start of the season out of work following his release from Dragons.

The 29-year-old had switched to the URC from the Gallagher Premiership after a long stint at Bath in the hope of putting himself in the window for international honours with Wales.

Referee Hollie Davidson on how she’s been treated | RPTV

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Referee Hollie Davidson on how she’s been treated | RPTV

Stronger Than You Think presenters Ashleigh Wilmot and Jodie Ounsley sit down with referee, Hollie Davidson. Hollie refereed both the finals of Rugby World Cup 7s and Rugby World Cup 2021, within mere weeks of each other. With a CV including many ‘firsts’, Hollie has not only reached the top of the women’s game, but is also a trailblazer in the men’s game. Watch the full episode on RugbyPass TV.

He had previously turned down an invite to tour with the land of his birth in 2017 but decided in 2022 to exit The Rec and move to Rodney Parade in the hope of catching the eye of the then-Welsh boss Wayne Pivac.

Clark’s ambition went unfulfilled and he spent his second season in Wales on loan at Cardiff before his Dragons deal expired, leaving him moving to London last summer. Having contacted all 10 Premiership clubs to see if they have any opportunities, Saracens invited him to train with them for free.

Sticking around in ???? ????? country! ?#TrueNorth pic.twitter.com/UVakRhNdKK

— Newcastle Falcons (@FalconsRugby) February 20, 2025

That commitment resulted in a Premiership Rugby Cup appearance in November and he then played twice for Ampthill in the Championship on a match-fee basis before Newcastle asked would he be interested in taking up a three-month contract.

Clark’s story of training without a wage before joining Falcons was something he insightfully told RugbyPass about in a recent candid interview about the challenge of getting a deal in the Premiership in a difficult recruitment market. However, all’s well that ends well and he will now see out the season with Newcastle.

“I’m very grateful to Newcastle for taking a chance on me during what was a difficult period of my career, and I’ve loved my time up here so far,” he enthused in a club statement. “The lads have been class in welcoming me into the group.

“I’m enjoying the coaching here and the wider staff at the club have also been really good. It feels like the Falcons are moving in a positive direction. Newcastle is a great city and I’m looking forward to seeing what we can achieve during the rest of the season.”

Director of rugby Diamond added: “Max has fitted straight in here and done really well in his short time with us. He has got loads of top-level experience which is very obvious when he plays, and he is a great character around the place. I’m glad that we have been able to extend his contract until at least the end of this season, and I’m looking forward to seeing his continued positive impact.”