As well as England Students captain Irvin the squad includes Scotland Under-19s World Cup scrum half Ross Samson and Oxford University Blue Oliver Tomazszcyk.

England Under-18s fly half Rob Miller and National Academy scrum half Micky Young both join the senior academy straight from school, training full time with the Falcons as well as continuing their studies at university.

Prop Robbie Kalbraier joins the senior academy after impressing in the Development Team last season, as does Peter Browne, the former Gloucester academy No.8.

Prop Rupert Harden and lock Tim Swinson make the step up to the senior academy as they continue their university studies in the north-east, hoping to join the number of players to use the squad as a pathway to first team recognition with the Falcons.

Falcons academy manager, Richard Metcalf, said: “The senior academy squad has proven to be a vital stepping stone in preparing talented youngsters for first team rugby, as emphasised by names like Toby Flood, Mathew Tait, Geoff Parling, Ben Woods, Lee Dickson and a whole host of others who have successfully come through the system in the last two years.

“Being in the senior academy does not in any way mean that these players have made it, what it means is that they are very talented and now have this fantastic chance to train full time with us and press their case.

“They will all get opportunities with the Development Team in this season’s Guinness A League, and in many cases will complement their Falcons rugby by playing on the local club and university scene. The exception to this is Oliver Tomazszcyk, who will continue his excellent sporting and academic progress at Oxford University while training and playing with us when commitments allow.”

Senior academy squad (14):

Phil Dawson (flanker)
Stuart Walker (lock)
Greg Irvin (No.8/flanker)
Oliver Tomazszcyk (prop)
Robbie Kalbraier (prop)
Rupert Harden (prop)
Peter Browne (No.8)
Tim Swinson (lock)
Micky Young (scrum half)
Rob Miller (fly half)
Alex Tait (centre/fullback)
Adam Dehaty (centre)
Gavin Beasley (fly half)
Ross Samson (scrum half)