Newcastle sign Sedbergh School star Ben Redshaw

Newcastle Falcons have confirmed that they have signed England Under-18s star Ben Redshaw on a two-year deal.

Redshaw will join Newcastle Falcons’ senior academy from the start of next season. A native of Leeds, the utility back who can play anyway from 11 to 15 and is currently at Sedbergh School.

Redshaw is regarded as one of the brightest prospects in English rugby, having excelled for the Falcons’ junior academy as well as for Sedbergh in schools rugby.

“Ben is really well thought of and would be known as one of the top England players at Under-18s level,” said Newcastle Falcons’ head of academy James Ponton. “He’s very quick, very strong in the tackle and to be honest he has a complete skill set.

“His attitude on top of that is absolutely spot-on because he’s a really diligent and hard-working lad, and he fits every one of the ‘GASP’ criteria we look for in a player (game sense, attitude, skill set and physical potential).

“Ben plays centre for his school, but has played full-back and centre for England Under-18s. He could play anywhere in the back three or outside centre, and at age-group level he can play inside centre as well.

“He’s a massively exciting talent and it’s great to have signed him up to our senior academy.”

Ponton added: “Ben has already been in and trained with the Falcons first team a couple of times, and has done very well in that environment.

“It can be quite intimidating for a schoolboy to come in and train in a full Premiership squad session, but it’s really useful to drip-feed the guys in for the occasional day so they get a feel for it and we can see them in that kind of setting.

“The great thing is that the Falcons’ senior players and coaches are excellent with him and the other lads who come in, and it’s great for the club that top young players are committing to playing here.”