Local lad Oakes made a significant impact in his first season of professional rugby in 2006/7, having plied his trade at National Division One side Otley previously.

The physical second row was a Great Britain junior javelin thrower as a youngster, and his childhood included a number of years living in a remote, isolated cottage in the Northumbrian forest without mains electricity and running water.

Formerly with the Royal Air Force, Oakes also runs a successful business as a heating and gas engineer. An enthusiastic gardener, as well as the spacious grounds surrounding his County Durham home, Oakes cultivates three large allotments and regularly supplies the squad with fruit and veg.

His uncompromising no-nonsense style of play proved a real asset during a successful first season with the Falcons, during which he made 23 starts and two bench appearances, scoring two tries.

School/university: Haydon Bridge School

Previous clubs: Otley, Blaydon

Nicknames: Oakesy

Favourite TV show: Lost

Favourite film: Shawshank Redemption

Favourite music: All the old stuff

Favourite book: Secrets of Fly Fishing For Trout

Favourite food: Nandos

Most like to meet: Martin Johnson

Best moment in rugby: Beating Leicester at home

Best moment outside of rugby: My daughter being born

Favourite place to visit: Scotland

Team-mate least like to share a room with and why: Geoff Parling. I just don’t like him!

I love: My family, being outdoors, gardening, fishing

I hate: People dropping litter