| Prop Micky Ward has signed a contract extension keeping him at the club until the end of the 2008/9 season, while England Saxons prop David Wilson will also stay at Kingston Park for the next two years.
Ashington-born prop Jon Golding is another to sign for two years, as does hooker Ross Batty, while prop Johnny Williams has agreed a three-year deal.
Falcons forwards coach, Peter Walton, said: “All five players represent a key part of our plans as we build for the future.
“They are local lads who know what it means to pull on the Newcastle Falcons shirt, and we very much hope they will be with the club for some time to come.
“Everyone knows the contribution Micky Ward continues to make with his fierce passion and commitment, while we are also fortunate to have such outstanding front row prospects as David, Jon, Ross and Johnny with us.”
As he finalises his squad for the 2007/8 campaign, director of rugby John Fletcher said: “This is the first in what will be a number of key contract announcements as we complete deals to keep our top players, taking the club to the next level as we build for the long term.
“As well as keeping the front row talent we presently have at the club we are also actively looking to add quality and experience in that area, building on the good progress we have seen in the pack this season.”
Ward (28) has made 172 competitive appearances for the Falcons, with the Wallsend-born front rower turning out 22 times this season in Newcastle colours.
South-Shields-born Wilson signs a two-year deal having helped England to the Under-21s Grand Slam last season, as well as earning a call-up to this season’s England Saxons squad.
Hooker Batty made his Falcons debut this season after a loan spell with Wairarapa Bush in New Zealand, while props Golding and Williams have both featured for the first team during the 2006/7 campaign.
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