'Pure box office': Adam Radwan agrees lengthy Newcastle extension

Out-of-favour England winger Adam Radwan has agreed on a deal to stay with Newcastle rather than look to get the attention of national team boss Steve Borthwick at another Gallagher Premiership club. The 25-year-old made his Test-level breakthrough under previous England boss Eddie Jones, scoring a hat-trick on his July 2021 debut and being a regular part of the squad throughout the 2021/22 season.

That was at a time when Dean Richards was in charge at Kingston Park and Radwan has now opted to extend his Falcons journey under current boss Dave Walder.

A statement read: “Flying winger Adam Radwan has pledged his future to Newcastle Falcons, with the prolific try-scorer signing a new three-year deal. Radwan has captivated Falcons fans with 46 tries in 86 appearances, including a number of electrifying solo scores and gravity-defying finishes.

“Born and raised in North Yorkshire, Radwan took his first steps in rugby with Middlesbrough RUFC, going on to play for Billingham RUFC as well as Hartlepool Sixth Form College before joining the Falcons’ academy.

“A try-scoring sensation for Darlington Mowden Park in National One, Radwan responded to his release from Newcastle’s squad by quickly earning a return to the senior academy, establishing himself as one of the most feared attackers in the country. With top-end pace and the ability to change direction at high speed, he rapidly became a fans’ favourite among the Falcons faithful.”

Radwan said: “I love Newcastle, it’s the best city around and I love being at the Falcons. We have got a great group of lads, there’s a real drive to push the club forward and we’re committed to achieving things. I want to be part of that, and the fact it’s my home club in professional terms means it’s extra special.

“My family are close by, and the way the fans get behind me and the team up here is just outstanding. It was a relatively easy decision because of how tight the group is and how well we support each other. We train hard and have a lot of fun around it, and it’s just a good place to be.

“I do get a lot of support from the fans here, and it means the world to me. The way I play the game is that I want to entertain people – I want them to get off their seats and I always enjoy going over and meeting the fans after a game. A lot of the young supporters in particular really get behind me, and that means so much because I think back to when I was a kid myself.

“I remember coming up here with Middlesbrough Rugby Club and being in the guard of honour for a Falcons game. I was actually showing the photo to Will Welch, Mark Wilson and Alex Tait the other day because they were all playing in the game, and I was just thinking back to how much I was in awe of them.

“It’s crazy to think how much things have changed since then in terms of me being a Falcons player, but I’ll always have it in the back of my mind in terms of what it means to the supporters and what a difference you can make for them. I’ve also had great support from my sponsors, the Blackbirds, who are a group of Falcons fans, and their backing has been outstanding.”

Newcastle head coach Walder added: “Adam is an incredible attacking threat who gets supporters out of their seat. He is pure box office when he gets the ball and is continuing to work hard at all aspects of his game, and the passion he has for Newcastle Falcons is infectious.

“Our supporters absolutely love him, and you can understand why when you see some of the tries he has scored. He must be a defender’s nightmare, and it’s great news for the club that he has committed his long-term future to us.”