Scottish tryscorer Harris to continue exile in Premiership

Fresh from scoring his first international try for Scotland, centre Chris Harris has signed a new two-year contract extension with Newcastle Falcons.

The 28-year-old Carlisle native dived over for his maiden test try during Saturday’s Six Nations victory over Italy, winning his seventh cap in the 33-20 triumph.

Harris has played 94 times for the Falcons, scoring two tries on his Premiership debut against Saracens back in December, 2014.

Speaking after signing his new deal, he said: “I’m really happy to commit once again to Newcastle Falcons.

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“They’ve been my one and only professional club, we have a great group of boys and I want to stay and be part of something special here.

“I know we’re in a tough spot at the moment in terms of our league position but I have absolute confidence in our ability to climb out of that, and to start afresh next season looking to finish where we know we can.”

Newcastle Falcons director of rugby Dean Richards added: “Chris is a very consistent performer who has worked hard to become a Premiership regular and earn full international honours.

“He is very strong in defence, he has the pace to trouble opposition defences and he provides a great link to the attacking talent we have out wide.

“It’s another endorsement of what we are doing that he sees his future here with us, joining the list of key players to have announced contract renewals.”

Other Falcons stars to have signed contract extensions in recent weeks include England flanker Mark Wilson, Samoan wing Sinoti Sinoti, Scotland flanker John Hardie, full-back Simon Hammersley, prop Sam Lockwood and hooker Kyle Cooper.

Newcastle Falcons are in action this Saturday when they travel to Northampton Saints in the semi-finals of the Premiership Rugby Cup.